[1][2][3][4] It is a 17α-alkylated derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and is closely related structurally to stanozolol, differing from it only by having a furazan ring system instead of pyrazole.

[6] The drug has been described as an antihyperlipidemic and is claimed to be useful in the treatment of atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia,[5] but according to William Llewellyn, such properties of furazabol are a myth.

He later claimed the positive finding was the result of sabotage, and that he had actually taken Furazabol, which at the time could not be detected by the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry assay used to analyze samples at the Games.

In later testimony, Johnson's training mate Angella Issajenko told the Commission that she too had obtained Furazabol from Astaphan, or so she thought.

The former-Canadian record holder revealed that, after Johnson's positive test, she had an analysis done on a leftover vial of what she thought contained Furazabol, and was informed it was identified as Stanozolol.