From August to September 2023 (pilot phase 1 of the anabolic steroid drug check) and from March to December 2024 (pilot phase 2 of the anabolic steroid drug check), a total of 92 samples declared as anabolic androgenic steroids and 1 sample as a sympathomimetic (clebuterol) were submitted to the Zurich Drug Information Center (DIZ) for analysis by 64 people.
Anabolic drug checking in Zurich is the world's first opportunity for people who use substances to build muscle to be tested.
The detailed anabolic steroids evaluation 2023/2024 can be found in the attached report.
Key findings:
- Many users are aware of the possible side effects and health risks associated with the consumption of anabolic substances. Nevertheless, some specifically choose to use them as they hope they will provide more effective support in achieving their physical goals.
- At the same time, it is clear that many consumers are increasingly taking advantage of medical examinations to regularly check their health and detect possible changes at an early stage. This indicates a high level of awareness of the need to treat one's own body responsibly.
- Testosterone Enanthate (20.4 %) was most frequently submitted for analysis in liquid form/ampoules. For tablets, this is Oxandrolone (11.1 %).
- 51% of the substances dispensed were correctly declared and the declared active substance corresponded to the analysis result.
- Every second sample analyzed was misdeclared (49.0 %), of which active ingredient lower than declared (inferior quality) 19 %, misdeclaration 12 %, active ingredient higher than declared 12 % and no active ingredient present 6 %.
- The evaluation of the samples analyzed in the laboratory revealed differences between the two forms tablets vs. liquid products such as ampoules. In the case of tablets, the stated active ingredient and its content more frequently matched the content determined in the laboratory. In contrast, there were more frequent discrepancies in the liquid forms: Either the declared active ingredient was not contained or the measured quantity deviated significantly from the declared amount. Although more than three times as many liquid samples were submitted as tablets, misdeclarations also occurred more frequently in relation to the number of liquid forms.
You can find more information on anabolic androgenic steroids on our website here.
The results published here are not representative of the substance market in the city of Zurich or Switzerland.
