Testosterone (On the skin)

Introduction:

Testosterone (tes-TOS-ter-one)

Treats a lack of testosterone when your body does not produce enough of its own natural testosterone. Testosterone is a male hormone.

Brand Name(s):

Androgel, Testim, First-Testosterone, First-Testosterone MC

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to testosterone or if you are allergic to soy products. You should not use this medicine if you have male breast cancer or prostate cancer. Testosterone gel should be used only by men and must not be used by women. Testosterone can cause birth defects if a pregnant woman comes into contact with a man's skin that has been treated with this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly, Kit

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • Apply this medicine each morning, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Be sure to apply your daily dose at the same time each day.
  • If you are using the pump gel for the first time, prime the pump before measuring out your first dose. Hold the pump over a sink and press the pump all the way down at least 3 times or until the gel begins to flow freely. Rinse the medicine discarded into the sink down the drain. Now place the palm of your hand under the pump and press the pump the proper number of times to measure out your correct dose.
  • If you are using the gel in foil packets, tear the packet completely open along the perforation. Squeeze the entire contents directly onto the skin where you will apply the gel. You may also empty the packet into the palm of your hand and then apply the medicine. Throw away the empty foil packet in a place where children and pets cannot reach it.
  • Apply the gel only to clean, dry skin on the shoulders, upper arms, or stomach (unless your doctor tells you to use it on another part of your body). Do not apply this medicine to your scrotum or your penis. Do not use the medicine on skin that has a cut, scrape, or other type of injury.
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water immediately after using this medicine.
  • Allow the gel to dry on your skin before you cover it with clothing. Wait at least 5 to 6 hours after applying this medicine before you shower or swim.
  • Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes right away with clean, warm water and call your doctor.
  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it less than 12 hours until your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply 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 the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • 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 or propranolol (Inderal®). Tell your doctor if you are also using a steroid medicine such as cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone, or Medrol®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • This medicine will not enhance athletic performance.
  • This medicine may increase the risk of prostate cancer, especially in older men. Make sure your doctor knows if you have prostate cancer, or if any of your blood relatives have had prostate cancer.
  • Tell your doctor if you have an enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or lung disease.
  • This medicine can be transferred to another person if that person touches or rubs the skin where you apply the medicine. To keep this from happening, wash your hands with soap and water immediately after applying the medicine. Also, cover the skin where you applied the medicine with clothing after the gel has dried.
  • If another person does accidentally get this medicine on the skin, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible.
  • Tell your doctor if your female partner or child starts to have male-like body changes while you are using this medicine. Such changes may include hair growth on the face, a deeper voice, or a significant increase in acne. Also make sure your doctor knows if your female partner is pregnant while you are using this medicine.
  • Gels are flammable. Do not go near fire, or open flames while using this medicine. Do not smoke while using testosterone gel.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • 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.

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.
  • Breathing problems, especially snoring or trouble breathing at night.
  • Changes in skin color.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
  • Problems with urination, increase in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Rapid weight gain.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

  • Acne or dry skin.
  • Anxiety, memory problems.
  • Changes in hair growth or color.
  • Enlarged breasts.
  • Increased sweating.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • Painful, prolonged erection of your penis.
  • Rash or skin irritation where you apply the medicine.
  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
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