This medication is used by men who do not make enough of
a natural substance called testosterone (hypogonadism). Testosterone
belongs to a class of drugs known as androgens. Testosterone helps the body
to develop and maintain 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.
This drug should not be used by women.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using testosterone and each time you get a
refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this
medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Gently blow your nose before using this medication.
Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the bottle if you are
using it for the first time.
Use this medication in the nose as directed by your
doctor, usually 3 times a day (6 to 8 hours apart). After applying the
medication into both nostrils, gently squeeze your nostrils together and
lightly massage. Do not apply this medication to other areas of your body.
If another part of your body comes in contact with this medication, wash
the area with warm water and soap.
Do not blow your nose or sniff for 1 hour after using
this medication. Wipe the tip of the applicator with a clean, dry tissue
after each use.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times 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.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may
harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant
should not handle this medication.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Runny/stuffy nose, nosebleed, nasal
dryness/irritation/scabbing or changes in smell 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:
- difficulty urinating
- increased urination (especially at night)
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- swelling hands/ankle/feet
- breast pain/enlargement
- interrupted breathing during sleep
- daytime drowsiness
- frequent erections
- 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
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 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 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:
- nasal problems (such as runny/stuffy nose, swelling of the
lining of your nose)
- seasonal allergies
- history of a broken nose within the past 6 months
- a fracture of your nose that caused the inside of your nose
to be crooked (deviated anterior nasal septum)
- sinus problem
- nasal or sinus surgery
- cancer (especially prostate or breast cancer)
- prostate problems (such as enlarged prostate or BPH)
- blood clots (such as in the legs, lungs)
- heart problems (such as heart failure, heart attack)
- stroke
- breathing trouble during sleep (sleep apnea)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- high cholesterol
- diabetes
If you have diabetes, this product may affect 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. 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).
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 gel. 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 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 PSA, cholesterol,
hemoglobin/hematocrit, testosterone blood levels, prostate exams) should be
done before you start using this medication and while you are using it.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
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 at room temperature. 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.