Uses

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. Testosterone 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.

Testosterone 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.

How To Use

This medication is given by injection into the buttock muscle as directed by your doctor, usually every 1 to 4 weeks. Do not inject this medication into a vein. The dosage is based on your medical condition, testosterone blood levels, and response to treatment.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use a calendar to mark the days you will receive an injection.

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.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin color changes, increased/decreased sexual interest, oily skin, hair loss, and acne may occur. Pain and redness at the injection site may also 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
• increased urination (especially at night)
• 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.

Precautions

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 (such as sesame oil), 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
• high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• enlarged prostate
• sleep apnea
• 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).

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. In children, it may affect bone growth. Check your child's height periodically.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially prostate/liver problems, swelling of arms/legs.

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. It may affect milk production and it may harm a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

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.

Overdose

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

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 using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light. 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.