General Information
Testosterone is an androgen hormone. This medicine is used to correct low testosterone levels in both males and females. It can be used to treat breast cancer, delays in male sexual development, or other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Testosterone may be given by injection, taken by mouth, applied to the skin or inserted into the vagina by itself or in combination with other hormone therapies. Follow the instructions for using testosterone carefully, as prescribed by your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
You should not take this medicine if you have been diagnosed with unexplained genital bleeding, an enlarged prostate, or liver, kidney or heart disease. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use this medicine. Men with breast or prostate cancer should not use this medicine. Because they may be more sensitive to side effects, elderly patients should use this medicine with caution.
Avoid direct contact between exposed, treated skin and other persons.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicine, dietary supplement, or over-the-counter product while using this medicine.
Side Effects
Possible side effects with this medicine include breast tenderness or enlargement, menstrual irregularities, emotional changes, deepening voice, flushing, acne, hair growth, and nausea or vomiting. If these effects continue or become bothersome, let your doctor know. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: loss of appetite, severe nausea or vomiting, swelling, unexplained weight gain, difficulty urinating, frequent or persistent penile erections, skin color changes, rash, breathing problems, unusual mood extremes.
Allergic reaction is rare; seek medical attention if it occurs. Signs of an allergic reaction to this medicine include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or breathing difficulty.
Other effects not listed here should be reported to your doctor or pharmacist.
Monitoring Parameters
Laboratory or medical tests may be necessary to determine if this medicine is right for you. The tests may include blood cell counts, cholesterol, liver function, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and blood testosterone levels.
Thyroid function tests and blood sugar levels may be altered by testosterone therapy. Alert health care providers and lab personnel that you are using this medicine prior to laboratory or medical tests.
Possible Drug Interactions
Testosterone therapy may interact with certain other drugs or medical conditions. Possible drug interactions include beta-blockers (atenolol), insulin or oral diabetes medicines (glyburide, metformin), carbamazepine, corticosteroids (prednisone), blood thinners (warfarin), and oxyphenbutazone. Medical conditions such as liver, kidney or heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, problems with breathing, rectal bleeding, or allergies (soy) should be closely monitored.
Inform your doctor of any current medicines you are using and any medical conditions you may have before beginning testosterone therapy.
Overdose
In case of a suspected overdose, contact your physician, call 911, or call the local poison control center immediately. For the US National Poison hotline, call 1-800-222-1222.
Missed Doses
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.