Testosterone



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







Testosterone

(tes TOS ter one)

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
Andriol®; Primoteston Depot®; Sostenon®[Propionate, Phenylpropionate, Isocaproate, Decanoate]
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.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • 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).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: