This medication is used in men who do not make enough of
a natural substance called testosterone. In males, testosterone is
responsible for many normal functions, including growth and development of
the genitals, muscles, and bones. It also helps cause normal sexual
development (puberty) in boys. Methyltestosterone is similar to the natural
testosterone produced by your body. It belongs to a class of drugs known as
androgens. It works by affecting many body systems so that the body can
develop and function normally.
Methyltestosterone may also be used in certain
adolescent boys to cause puberty in those with delayed puberty. It may also
be used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 4 times a day. The dosage is based on
your medical condition, testosterone blood levels, and response to
treatment.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Misuse or abuse of testosterone or testosterone-like
products can cause serious side effects such as heart disease (including
heart attack), stroke, liver disease, mental/mood problems, abnormal
drug-seeking behavior, or improper bone growth (in adolescents). Do not
increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than
prescribed. When testosterone is misused or abused, you may have withdrawal
symptoms (such as depression, irritability, tiredness) when you suddenly
stop using the drug. These symptoms may last from weeks to
months.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin color changes,
increased/decreased sexual interest, oily skin, hair loss, and acne may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, depression, increased
anger)
- trouble sleeping/snoring
- signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- hands/ankles/feet swelling
- unusual tiredness
- fast/irregular heartbeat
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- unusual sweating
- confusion
- sudden dizziness/fainting
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- sudden/severe headaches
- trouble speaking
- weakness on one side of the body
- sudden vision changes
If you are male, tell your doctor right away if you have
any serious side effects, including:
- trouble urinating
- breast swelling/tenderness
- too frequent/prolonged erections
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection
lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get
medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
If you are female, tell your doctor right away if you
have any serious side effects, including:
- deepening of the voice
- hoarseness
- unusual facial/body hair growth
- enlarged clitoris
- irregular menstrual periods
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using methyltestosterone, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- cancer (such as breast cancer in men, prostate cancer)
- blood clots (such as in the leg, lungs)
- heart disease (such as heart failure, chest pain, heart
attack)
- stroke
- liver problems
- kidney problems
- certain mineral imbalance (high calcium blood level)
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- enlarged prostate
- breathing problems (such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease-COPD)
- diabetes
If you have diabetes, this product may lower your blood
sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results
with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low
blood sugar, such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger,
blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. Your doctor may need to
adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially prostate/liver problems, swelling of
arms/legs.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug. In children, it may affect bone growth. Monitor your child's
height periodically.
This medication can affect fertility in males. Ask your
doctor for more details.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It
may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control
(such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. If you become
pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right
away.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- "blood thinners" (such as warfarin)
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as thyroid function tests), possibly causing false test results. Make
sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is
against the law.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood testosterone
levels, red blood cell counts, liver function, blood cholesterol levels,
PSA test) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all
medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.