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Testosterone
topical
Brand
Name: Androgel
Most
Common Medical Uses
Testosterone
is a naturally occurring "male" sex hormone necessary
for many processes in the body. Testosterone topical is used to
treat men for conditions that result from a lack of natural testosterone.
Testosterone topical may also be used for purposes other than those
listed here.
How
to Take This Medication
Use
testosterone topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you
do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse,
or doctor to explain them to you. To use the testosterone topical
gel: Apply the gel once daily (preferably in the morning) to clean,
dry, unbroken skin on the shoulders or upper arms. The AndroGel
can also be applied to the abdomen. Do not apply Testim gel to the
abdomen. After opening a pouch, squeeze the entire contents into
the palm of your hand and immediately apply it to the application
site. Allow the gel to dry for a few minutes before dressing. Wash
your hands with soap and water after the gel has been applied. Cover
the application site with clothing after the gel has dried to prevent
transfer of testosterone to another person. If direct skin-to-skin
contact with another person is anticipated, the applcation site
must be washed thoroughly with soap and water before that encounter.
If there is accidental transfer of testosterone to the skin of another
person, wash the general area of contact on the other person with
soap and water as soon as possible. Wait at least 5 or 6 hours after
application of AndroGel, or 2 hours after application of Testim,
before showering or swimming. However, showering or swimming 1 hour
after application of either testosterone topical product should
have a minimal effect on the amount of testosterone absorbed if
done infrequently. Do not apply the gel to the scrotum or genitals
or to skin that has open sores, wounds, or irritation. Your doctor
may want to perform tests to monitor the amount of testosterone
in the body, liver function, prostate function, or other factors
during treatment with testosterone topical. It is important to use
testosterone topical regularly to get the most benefit. Dispose
of all used patches and aluminum foil packets properly, out of the
reach of children and pets. To use testosterone topical scrotal
patches: Testoderm patches should be applied to clean, dry scrotal
skin. The scrotal hair should be dry-shaved before a patch is applied.
Do not use chemical hair removers to remove scrotal hair. Each patch
should be worn for 22 to 24 hours. Apply a new patch every 24 hours.
Scrotal patches should be removed during bathing, showering, or
swimming and may be reapplied following these activities. Patch
removal is optional during intercourse. If a Testoderm patch falls
off, try to reapply it. If it comes off after being worn for more
than 12 hours and it cannot be reapplied, wait until the next scheduled
application time to apply a new system. To use testosterone topical
patches (non-scrotal): Androderm patches can be applied to clean,
dry skin on the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs. Testoderm
TTS patches can be applied to the arms , back, or upper buttocks.
Do not apply these patches to the scrotum, any bony part of the
body (hip bone, outer thigh bone, shoulder bone), or to an area
that will be under prolonged pressure during sleep or sitting. Apply
the patch to skin that is not oily, damaged, or irritated. For Androderm
patches, the site of application should be different, with a 7 day
period between applications to the same site. Androderm and Testoderm
TTS patches should be worn for 24 hours. Androderm patches should
be applied at the same time each evening. Testoderm TTS patches
should be applied at the same time daily, either during the day
or night. It usually is not necessary to remove patches of this
type during sexual intercourse or when showering or bathing. If
an Androderm patch falls off, try to reapply it. If it cannot be
reapplied and it is before noon, apply a new patch; if it is after
noon, wait until the evening and apply a new patch at the regularly
scheduled time. If a Testoderm TTS patch falls off, try to reapply
it. If it comes off after being worn for more than 12 hours and
it cannot be reapplied, wait until the next scheduled application
time to apply a new system.
Possible
Side Effects
If
you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using
testosterone topical and seek emergency medical attention or contact
your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or
hives); nausea or vomiting; changes in skin color; swelling of the
ankles; breathing disturbances, including those associated with
sleep; too frequent or prolonged erections; or liver damage (yellowing
of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual
bleeding or bruising, or severe fatigue). Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use testosterone
topical and talk to your doctor if you experience itching, discomfort,
redness, or irritation at the application site; emotional changes;
increased blood pressure; decreased interest in sex; changes in
blood cholesterol or number of red blood cells (detected by blood
tests); prostate changes or difficulty urinating; enlarged, swollen
or tender breasts; or acne. Notify your doctor if a female partner
experiences male-pattern baldness, excessive body hair growth, an
increase in acne, menstrual irregularities, or signs of masculinity.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
Precautions
Avoid transfer of testosterone topical gel to another person. Wash
your hands after application of the gel and cover the application
site with clothing after the gel has dried. If direct skin-to-skin
contact with another person is anticipated, the application sites
must be washed thoroughly with soap and water before that encounter.
If another person accidentally contacts the gel or treated area,
the exposed individual should wash with soap and water. Wait at
least 5 or 6 hours after application of testosterone topical gel
before showering or swimming. However, showering or swimming 1 hour
after application should have a minimal effect on the amount of
testosterone absorbed if done infrequently. Testosterone patches
applied to the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs do not usually
need to be removed during sexual intercourse or when showering or
bathing. Scrotal testosterone patches should be removed during bathing,
showering, or swimming and may be reapplied following these activities.
Removal of a scrotal patch is optional during intercourse.
Drug
Interactions
Before
using testosterone topical, tell your doctor if you are taking any
of the following medicines: warfarin (Coumadin); insulin or an oral
diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta,
Micronase, Glynase), repaglinide (Prandin), rosiglitazone (Avandia),
pioglitazone (Actos), and others; propranolol (Inderal, Inderal
LA, others); or a corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone (Cortef,
Hydrocortone, Solu-Cortef), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol others),
methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol), prednisolone
(Prelone Pediapred), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others), and
others. You may not be able to use testosterone topical, or you
may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other
than those listed here may also interact with testosterone topical.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Missed
Dose
Apply
the next patch or gel packet as soon as you remember. Do not use
two doses simultaneously, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Storage
Store testosterone topical at room temperature away from moisture
and heat. Patches should not be stored outside the pouch provided.
Damaged patches should not be used.
Notes
Notify your doctor if you experience nausea; vomiting; swelling
of the ankles; changes in skin color; too frequent or prolonged
erections; breathing disturbances, including those associated with
sleep; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Notify your doctor if a
female partner experiences male-pattern baldness, excessive body
hair growth, an increase in acne, menstrual irregularities, or signs
of masculinity.
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