Testosterone Implant Health Article

Generic name(s):

Testosterone Implant

Brand name(s):

Andro LA 200, Andro-Cyp 100, Andro-Cyp 200, AndroGel, AndroGel 2.5 g/packet, AndroGel 5 g/packet, AndroGel Pump 1.25 g/actuation, Androderm, Delatest, Delatestryl, Depandro 100, Depo-Testosterone, Depotest, Duratest, Durathate 200, Epitestosterone, Everone, FIRST-Testosterone, FIRST-Testosterone MC, Free testosterone, Histerone, Meditest, Striant, Testamone-100, Testim, Testoderm, Testolin, Testopel Pellets, Testosterone Cypionate, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Propionate, Testro, Testro AQ, Testro-L.A., Virilon IM

What is this medicine?

TESTOSTERONE (tes TOS ter one) is the main male hormone. It supports normal male traits such as muscle growth, facial hair, and deep voice. This medicine is used in males to treat low testosterone levels.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast cancer
• diabetes
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• prostate cancer, enlargement
• an unusual or allergic reaction to testosterone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• this drug is not for use in females

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine will be inserted under your skin by your doctor or health care professional.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. Your doctor or health care professional will tell you when your next dose is due. Notify the office if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

• medicines for diabetes
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• oxyphenbutazone
• propranolol
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. They will need to check the level of testosterone in your blood.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice a change in the way this medicine is working. It is possible that the pellets may accidentally fall out.

This drug is banned from use in athletes by most athletic organizations.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breast enlargement
• breathing problems
• changes in mood, especially anger, depression, or rage
• dark urine
• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite, nausea
• nausea, vomiting
• right upper belly pain
• stomach pain
• swelling of ankles
• too frequent or persistent erections
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• acne
• change in sex drive or performance
• hair loss
• headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.