This medicated solution contains testosterone. It is
used for hormone replacement in men who are not able to produce enough
testosterone (hypogonadism). This medication is absorbed through the skin,
enters your bloodstream, and helps your body reach normal testosterone
levels.
Testosterone helps the body to develop and maintain the
male sexual characteristics (masculinity), such as a deep voice and body
hair. It also helps to maintain muscle and prevent bone loss, and is
necessary for natural sexual ability/desire.
Women should not use this drug.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using testosterone solution and each time you get a
refill. Learn how to use the pump and how to apply the solution correctly.
If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
There are many testosterone products available for use
on the skin. They may have different amounts of testosterone and may not
have the same effects. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each
product. Do not change products without asking your doctor or
pharmacist.
Follow the instructions for priming the pump if you are
using it for the first time.
If you use antiperspirant and/or deodorant, you should
use those first before applying this medication.
Pump this medication into the applicator cup as
directed. Do not pump more than one pump of this medication into the
applicator at a time. Keeping the applicator upright, use it to apply the
medication to clean, dry skin on the armpit(s) as directed by your doctor,
usually once daily in the morning. Avoid applying this medication to
broken, irritated skin. After applying, do not rub in the solution with
your fingers or hand. If your dose requires you to apply more medication to
the same armpit, wait for the medication to dry before applying more
medication. Do not apply this medication to other areas of the body,
including the genitals (penis or scrotum).
The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab
tests, and response to treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions
carefully on the exact number of pumps for each dose.
Wait a few minutes for the application site to dry
completely before dressing. Be sure to always wear clothing (such as a
t-shirt) to cover the application site until you wash the areas well with
soap and water. To get the best effect, wait at least 2 hours before
showering/swimming to allow the drug to be absorbed through the
skin.
After applying this medication, rinse the applicator cup
with running water and then pat dry with a tissue. Replace the applicator
and cap back onto the bottle. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and
water.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each
day.
Misuse or abuse of testosterone 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.
This medication is flammable until dry. Let the solution
dry before smoking or going near an open flame.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Redness/irritation at the application site, headache,
diarrhea, vomiting, 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:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- severe stomach/abdominal pain
- dark urine
- yellowing eyes/skin
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
- breast pain/enlargement
- very slow/shallow/difficult breathing (possibly while
sleeping)
- difficulty urinating
- increased urination (especially at night)
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, agitation,
hostility)
- testicle pain/tenderness
- 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
In patients with diabetes, especially those taking
insulin, testosterone may decrease your blood sugar. Be prepared to treat
low blood sugar while you are using this medication. 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.
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.
A very serious allergic reaction to this product 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.
See also Warning section.
Before using testosterone, 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:
- breast cancer (males)
- prostate problems (such as cancer, enlarged prostate or
BPH)
- difficulty breathing during sleep (apnea)
- high cholesterol level
- bone cancer
- diabetes
- heart problems (such as heart failure, heart attack)
- stroke
- blood clots (such as in the leg, lungs)
Direct contact with the application site can expose
others to this medication. Women and children should avoid contact with any
unwashed or unclothed area where the medication has been applied. If you
expect to have skin-to-skin contact with another person, first wash the
application area well with soap and water. If a woman or child makes
contact with the application area, that area on the woman or child should
be washed well with soap and water right away.
If this medication accidentally gets into your eyes,
rinse the eyes right away with clean, warm water. Get medical help right
away if necessary.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Some men, particularly older adults, are at a higher
risk for developing enlarged prostate or prostate cancer while using this
medication. Your risk of prostate problems should be checked by your doctor
before you start testosterone.
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 should not be used by women. Women
accidentally exposed to this medication may have side effects due to
testosterone solution. If you notice symptoms in a woman such as changes in
body hair or a large increase in acne, talk to her doctor and your doctor
right away. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must avoid contact with
this medication. This medication may harm an unborn or breastfeeding baby.
Consult your doctor for more details.
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, creatinine level), possibly causing false
test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use
this drug.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. 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 PSA, cholesterol,
hemoglobin/hematocrit, testosterone blood levels, prostate exams) should be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another problem unless your doctor
directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that
case.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store upright at room temperature. Do not store near an
open flame. Discard used pumps in a secure trash can. 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.