RAD 150 Side Effects: Understanding The Concerns Of This SARM

RAD 150 is a modified (esterified) version of RAD-140, classed among the selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) that are often sought for increased muscle mass. Because of its structural modification, proponents claim it has a longer half‐life and more stable plasma concentrations compared to RAD-140. But like all SARMs (which themselves are experimental, off-label, unapproved by regulators), safety data are extremely limited.

SARMs are sometimes sold as “dietary supplements” or nutritional supplements and “research chemicals.” However, they are not approved for human consumption, and their use carries risk. The FDA has warned consumers about the potential for serious adverse outcomes, including liver injury and acute liver failure, associated with SARMs.

One of the gravest safety concerns is drug-induced liver injury (DILI), sometimes severe or acute, which has been documented with other SARMs, especially RAD-140. Since RAD 150 is closely related, many of the cautionary principles for RAD-140 are often extrapolated.

In what follows, we’ll survey what is known about the side effects of this SARM in medical research , emphasizing hepatic risks; compare expected differences in men vs. women; discuss how side effects might change month by month; and review specific clinical or case reports (largely from the RAD-140 literature) that shed light on possible severity, including acute liver failure, severe liver injury, and drug induced liver injury.

Table of Contents

Known and Hypothetical Side Effects

RAD-150 SARM

Because direct clinical studies on RAD-150 are almost non-existent, what follows is partly inferred from RAD-140 and other SARMs, user reports, and mechanistic reasoning.

Common or mild side effects (non‐liver)

Some of the reported or theorized adverse events associated with this SARM include headaches, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, suppression of endogenous testosterone (especially at higher doses or longer cycles), potential changes in lipid profiles, water retention, acne, oily skin, increased sebum, and changes in libido. Some users report fatigue or mild blood pressure changes, though most of these are mild and reversible.

These are often classified as more benign adverse reactions to androgenic or anabolic effects or off-target receptor interactions.

Our article on the RAD 150 dosage discusses all of this extensively.

Severe risks: liver toxicity, liver injury, acute liver failure

The most serious concerns revolve around liver toxicity. Several key terms are relevant: drug induced liver injury (DILI), acute liver injury, severe liver injury, and acute liver failure. While direct case reports of it causing severe liver injury are lacking, case reports exist for RAD-140 (its parent compound) that show acute liver injury, severe liver injury, and even acute liver failure in some instances. These help set a cautionary boundary for RAD 150, which may carry similar risks.

Because it’s a SARM in the same class as RAD-140, albeit with structural modifications, it is prudent to assume that the risk of liver injury and liver toxicity exists, though it is uncertain how much higher or lower. Some sources claim that RAD-150 is less hepatotoxic, but such claims remain anecdotal and unproven.

Thus, while the side effects might include typical hormonal or metabolic effects, the critical safety issue is the possibility of severe liver injury, including drug induced liver injury and even acute liver failure in rare cases.

Sex differences: men vs. women

Because so little is known about RAD 150 in humans, any discussion of differences by sex (men vs. women) is largely speculative, based on physiology, androgen biology, and experience with other SARMs or anabolic steroids.

In men

Men are the more common users in bodybuilding or performance contexts. Key issues include testosterone suppression, gynecomastia, acne, oiliness, hair loss, and potential liver injury. The risk of drug induced liver injury or severe liver injury applies to both sexes but may be affected by baseline liver health, alcohol use, or metabolic conditions such as fatty liver disease. Cardiovascular effects, including lipid imbalance or blood pressure elevation, can also occur.

In women

Women are less commonly reported as users, but they face unique risks such as virilization, hormonal disruption, and menstrual irregularities. These may include deepening of the voice, hirsutism, clitoral enlargement, or changes in libido and fertility. Women may also experience differences in lipid and bone metabolism. While liver injury applies equally, underlying conditions such as autoimmune liver disease or viral hepatitis could alter their susceptibility.

Because of these additional androgenic risks, female users tend to use lower doses or shorter cycles, but that does not guarantee safety. In the absence of controlled trials, all use in women remains experimental and high risk.

Month-to-month progression of side effects

Because there are no controlled longitudinal studies of RAD 150 in humans, the following is a hypothetical “month-by-month” pattern based on SARMs experience and analogy to anabolic steroids. Not everyone will follow this progression, and risks may accelerate in susceptible individuals.

Month 1 (weeks 1–4): onset and adaptation

In the first few days to weeks, users might notice mild adverse effects such as headaches, mood changes, or insomnia. Hormonal suppression begins relatively early, though fatigue or low libido might not yet be pronounced. Liver enzymes may begin to trend upward modestly, and lipid changes (decreased HDL, increased LDL) can begin. Liver injury symptoms are uncommon but possible in predisposed individuals.

Month 2 (weeks 5–8): increasing risk and overt signs

Hormonal suppression becomes more noticeable, with low testosterone symptoms and reduced energy. Some users experience acne, water retention, or mood swings. Liver function markers may show clearer elevations, and if an idiosyncratic reaction occurs, abdominal pain, nausea, or mild jaundice may appear. This is when drug induced liver injury is most likely to manifest.

Month 3 (weeks 9–12) and beyond: cumulative risk

Suppression deepens, and natural testosterone recovery becomes harder. Lipid abnormalities intensify, and liver stress may worsen, reflected in bilirubin and enzyme increases. In rare cases, severe liver injury or acute liver failure may develop. More often, sustained enzyme elevation and fatigue signal emerging hepatic stress. Because RAD-150 has a longer half-life, side effects may have delayed onset or prolonged recovery.

Regular blood tests and liver biochemistry checks are crucial, including total serum bilirubin concentration, alkaline phosphatase, and other liver biochemistry markers. Subtle changes can precede serious adverse events.

Specific cases (largely RAD-140) and lessons for RAD-150

Because direct case reports of RAD 150 are scarce or nonpublic, we draw on RAD-140 case studies to understand what is plausible.

Case: 26-year-old male, RAD-140 and idiosyncratic DILI

This man presented with nausea, vomiting, severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and jaundice. He had marked elevations in liver enzymes and bilirubin, with an extensive workup negative for viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, or other insult. The authors concluded an idiosyncratic drug induced liver injury likely caused by RAD-140. He recovered following cessation.

This suggests that even in otherwise healthy individuals, acute liver injury can occur without prior liver disease, and resolving it depends on early recognition and drug withdrawal.

Case: 24-year-old male, hyperbilirubinemia, cholestatic pattern

In this case, a man used RAD-140 for ~8–10 weeks. By ~week 8, total bilirubin peaked at ~32 mg/dL, ALT ~125 IU, AST ~82 IU, ALP elevated, and he developed jaundice and pruritus. He was managed with withdrawal and supportive care; his bilirubin declined over time but required close follow-up.

This case suggests that a cholestatic injury pattern (i.e. impaired bile flow) is plausible with SARMs use. Furthermore, such injury may linger for weeks or months.

Cholestatic DILI treated with corticosteroids

In a published unusual case, a patient developed prolonged cholestasis after RAD-140, with persistent hyperbilirubinemia lasting >1 month. Because of diagnostic uncertainty and slow recovery, a liver biopsy was done and confirmed bland cholestasis (absence of strong inflammation). After adding corticosteroids, the total bilirubin level dropped more rapidly.

Here we see that autoimmune overlap was excluded via biopsy, and the histology matched patterns seen with traditional anabolic androgenic steroids. The case illustrates that in prolonged severe cholestatic injury, immunosuppression might be considered (though not standard). However, this is a RAD-140 case, not RAD 150.

Lessons for RAD 150

Although no published case exists (to my knowledge) describing acute liver failure caused by RAD-150, the similarity of mechanism implies that:

An idiosyncratic drug induced liver injury could happen, even in low-risk users.
The pattern might be cholestatic, hepatocellular, or mixed—and could evolve over weeks to months.
In extreme cases, acute liver failure or life-threatening hepatic decompensation is possible, especially if the user continues the compound despite warning signs.
A liver biopsy may be necessary to distinguish DILI vs. autoimmune or viral hepatitis in protracted cases.

Thus, users of this SARM should treat it with the same caution as RAD-140, especially regarding hepatic safety.

Comparing RAD 150 to anabolic steroids

Understanding how RAD 150 differs from traditional anabolic androgenic steroids helps contextualize risk. Anabolic steroids are notorious for liver toxicity, especially oral forms, and can lead to cholestasis, hepatic tumors, and even liver transplant in extreme cases. They also cause significant endocrine suppression, cardiovascular disease, and virilization.

RAD-150 is often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional anabolic steroids due to its selective action on androgen receptors, which may promote muscle hypertrophy. However, since it still exerts anabolic effects via the same pathway, many risks overlap. Liver injury, hormonal suppression, and lipid alterations remain possible. The selectivity of androgen receptors is not perfect, and off-target binding can result in androgenic adverse effects.

While it may produce fewer side effects than traditional anabolic steroids, it cannot be considered safe for facilitating muscle growth. The potential for liver injury, hormonal disruption, and other adverse reactions remains significant.

Risk mitigation, monitoring, and post-cycle therapy

Given the potential severity of side effects, users should consider several precautions.

Baseline workup

Before starting, obtain blood tests for liver function (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, GGT), viral hepatitis screening, lipid profile, hormonal panel, and a thorough drug history. Identify other dietary supplements, herbal supplements, or recreational drugs that might contribute to toxicity.

During the cycle

Regular blood tests should be performed every two to four weeks to monitor liver biochemistry and total serum bilirubin concentration. Watch for abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, pruritus, or dark urine. Avoid alcohol and other hepatotoxic agents. Maintain hydration and balanced nutrition to support hepatic safety.

If liver injury signs appear

Discontinue RAD 150 immediately. Obtain a full medical workup for viral hepatitis, autoimmune disease, or biliary obstruction. In some cases, corticosteroids may be considered for prolonged cholestasis. Severe liver injury or acute liver failure requires hospital management, and in extreme cases, liver transplant evaluation may be necessary.

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)

Since RAD-150 suppresses endogenous testosterone, post cycle therapy is essential. SERMs such as clomiphene or tamoxifen are commonly used to restore hormonal function. Monitoring of testosterone and gonadotropins helps ensure recovery. Because of RAD 150’s long half-life, suppression may persist longer, requiring an extended PCT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RAD-140 toxic to the liver?

Yes, RAD-140 has been linked to liver toxicity in several published medical case reports. Although it’s marketed as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) designed to minimize side effects, research and clinical observations have shown that it can still cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

Users have reported elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, and even cholestatic or acute liver injury after using RAD-140 for several weeks. The severity of damage varies, but in some cases, the liver function abnormalities were serious enough to resemble acute liver failure.

Because RAD 150 is a chemically modified version of RAD-140, experts consider it highly likely to carry the same or similar hepatic risks associated with muscle wasting. In short, RAD-140 can be toxic to the liver—especially at higher doses or when combined with other hepatotoxic agents like alcohol, acetaminophen, or anabolic steroids.

What are 5 side effects of steroids?

Anabolic steroids—synthetic derivatives of testosterone—are powerful agents that can cause a range of adverse effects when misused. Five well-documented side effects include:

Liver injury: Prolonged steroid use can lead to liver toxicity, cholestasis, hepatic tumors, or even liver failure.
Hormonal suppression: Exogenous androgens shut down natural testosterone production, leading to testicular shrinkage and infertility in men.
Cardiovascular issues: Steroid use lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol, raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and can increase blood pressure and risk of heart attack or stroke.
Psychological changes: Irritability, aggression (“roid rage”), mood swings, and depression may occur.
Skin and hair changes: Acne, oily skin, and accelerated hair loss are common, along with possible virilization effects in women (deepened voice, facial hair growth).

What are the side effects of taking testosterone?

While testosterone therapy can be medically necessary in hypogonadal men, excessive or unsupervised use (especially in bodybuilding contexts) can lead to multiple adverse effects:

Hormonal suppression: The body reduces its own testosterone production, potentially leading to testicular atrophy and infertility.
Cardiovascular risks: Changes in lipid profiles, elevated hematocrit (thickened blood), and increased risk of heart disease or stroke.
Liver stress: Oral formulations in particular can contribute to mild liver enzyme elevation.
Gynecomastia: Some testosterone can convert to estrogen, leading to male breast tissue growth.
Mood and behavior changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or aggression can occur with high or fluctuating hormone levels.
Prostate effects: Long-term exposure may enlarge the prostate and worsen symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What does RAD-140 do to your brain?

RAD-140 interacts with androgen receptors found not only in muscle and bone but also in the brain—particularly in areas involved in mood, memory, and neuroprotection, as noted by clinical pharmacology trainee participants.

Preclinical studies in animal models suggest RAD-140 may exert neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing cell death in neurons exposed to stress or amyloid toxicity. That’s one reason researchers initially explored it for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

However, human data are minimal. Anecdotally, some users report heightened focus, drive, and motivation, while others experience anxiety, irritability, or insomnia. Because RAD-140 alters androgen receptor signaling in the central nervous system, it can influence neurotransmitters that affect mood and cognition, both positively and negatively.

In summary, RAD-140 may have both neuroprotective and neuro-stimulatory effects, but misuse or supraphysiologic doses can also produce neurochemical imbalances that impact mental health.

Summary and recommendations

The side effects of this SARM include both mild and severe risks associated with ageing and chronic diseases, with liver toxicity being the most critical concern. Although specific cases of RAD 150-induced liver injury have not been published, evidence from RAD-140 strongly suggests potential for drug induced liver injury, acute liver injury, and severe cholestatic liver injury.

Men often experience more suppression of testosterone and muscle mass fluctuations, while women face virilization and hormonal disruption. The risk of liver injury exists for both sexes and may escalate with prolonged use.

Month by month, side effects may progress from mild hormonal shifts to biochemical liver abnormalities and, in rare instances, acute liver failure. Proper monitoring, early cessation upon warning signs, and effective post cycle therapy are vital to recovery.

RAD 150, like other selective androgen receptor modulators, remains an experimental compound with insufficient human data. Until formal trials are conducted, its use should be regarded as high risk, particularly regarding hepatic safety and potential adverse drug reactions.