Methyltestosterone (By mouth)

Introduction:

Methyltestosterone (meth-il-tes-TOS-ter-one)

Treats lack of testosterone in men, and treats breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This medicine is a hormone.

Brand Name(s):

Testred, Android, Methitest

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you are a man with breast cancer or prostate cancer. You should not use this medicine if you are a woman who is pregnant or plans to become pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using insulin, oxyphenbutazone, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • A boy using this medicine for delayed puberty should have his bone growth checked by a doctor every 6 months.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
  • Using this medicine over a long period of time may increase your risk of liver damage or liver cancer. Older adult men who use this medicine may have an increased risk of prostate cancer or enlargement. Talk with your doctor about your personal risks.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • (In men): Acne, hair loss, erection of the penis that happens too often or lasts too long.
  • (In women): Acne, facial hair growth, deeper voice, enlarged clitoris, changes in menstrual periods.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
  • Rapid weight gain.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Anxiety, depression.
  • Enlarged breasts (in women or men).
  • Headache, numbness, or tingling.
  • Increased or decreased interest in sex.
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