Testosterone

U.S. Brand Names

Androderm®; AndroGel®; Delatestryl®; Depo®-Testosterone; First® Testosterone; First® Testosterone MC; Striant®; Testim®; Testopel®

Canadian Brand Names

Andriol®; Androderm®; AndroGel®; Andropository; Delatestryl®; Depotest® 100; Everone® 200; Virilon® IM

Mexican Brand Names

Lowtiyel

Pharmacologic Category

Androgen

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to testosterone or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Enlarged prostate gland, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, prostate cancer, or unexplained genital bleeding.

• If you are male and have breast cancer.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat breast cancer.

• This medicine is used to treat delays in male sexual development.

• This medicine is used to treat low testosterone levels.

How does it work?

• This medicine is used as a testosterone replacement.

How is it best taken?

All forms:

• Wash hands before and after use.

Gel:

• Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin on belly, shoulder, or upper arm.

• Do not bathe, shower, or swim for 2 hours after applying.

• Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until the gel has dried.

Testoderm® Patch:

• Apply patch to clean, dry scrotum once daily.

• Shave hair at site before putting patch on.

Other patches:

• Apply patch to clean, dry, healthy skin on back, belly, thigh, or upper arm.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• May contain conducting metal. Remove patch before MRI.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid exposing another person to the gel or the treated area of your skin.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Breast enlargement.

• Emotional ups and downs.

• Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Check blood pressure regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Not hungry.

• Penile erection that lasts longer than 4 hours.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Swelling.

• Unable to pass urine.

• Very nervous and excitable.

• Yellow skin or eyes.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect patch from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Protect gel from heat.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:56:02.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:13:24.0

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