Testosterone: Patient drug information
(For additional information see "Testosterone: Drug information" and see "Testosterone: Pediatric drug information")
You must carefully read the "Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer" below in order to understand and correctly use this information.
Brand Names: US
- Androderm;
- AndroGel Pump;
- AndroGel [DSC];
- Aveed;
- Depo-Testosterone;
- Fortesta;
- Jatenzo;
- Kyzatrex;
- Natesto;
- Striant [DSC];
- Testim;
- Testopel;
- Tlando;
- Vogelxo;
- Vogelxo Pump;
- Xyosted
Brand Names: Canada
- Androderm [DSC];
- AndroGel;
- Delatestryl;
- Depo-Testosterone;
- Natesto;
- PMS-Testosterone Undecanoate;
- TARO-Testosterone;
- TARO-Testosterone Cypionate;
- Testim
Warning
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705324
No
All products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s6037346
•
No
High blood pressure has happened with this drug. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6716517
•
No
High blood pressure can raise the chance of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, talk with your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5099182
No
Testosterone undecanoate
injection:
-
urn:lims:b498:s5099183
•
No
A very bad lung problem has happened with this drug. Allergic reactions have also happened with this drug. Sometimes, allergic reactions have been life-threatening. These reactions have happened while this drug was given and right after. These reactions can happen with any dose of this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5099184
•
No
You will be watched closely by your doctor for 30 minutes after each dose. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, cough or the need to cough, dizziness, passing out, shortness of breath, sweating, or throat tightness.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2810666
No
Skin gel, skin solution:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696416
•
No
Wash the site where the drug was used before it touches anyone else's skin.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2700902
•
No
Do not let this drug or the treated area touch anyone else's skin. They could have side effects from touching this drug. Cover the treated area with clothes.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697832
•
No
If a female or a child touches the gel, they will need to wash their skin with soap and water.
What is this drug used for?
-
urn:lims:b498:s2691941
•
No
It is used to treat low testosterone levels.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5094982
•
No
It is used in certain children when puberty is delayed.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2691763
•
No
It is used to treat breast cancer in certain people.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2692146
•
No
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705324
No
All products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705171
•
No
If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2701059
•
Male
No
If you are male and have breast or prostate cancer.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4734809
•
No
If you have any of these health problems: Heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5005902
No
All injection products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s6716518
•
Female
No
If you are female. Not all products are approved for use in females. If you are a female using this drug, talk with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6716519
•
No
If the patient is a child. Not all injection products are approved for use in children. Talk with the doctor to see if this product may be used in children.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5455987
No
All products other than injection:
-
urn:lims:b498:s6764224
•
Female
No
If you are female. This drug is not approved for use in females. This drug may cause harm to an unborn baby if it is taken during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5720084
•
No
If the patient is a child. Do not give this drug to a child.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192622
No
Nose gel:
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192624
•
No
If you have problems with swelling of the lining of your nose like Sjogren's disease.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192625
•
No
If you have ever had any of these health problems: Broken nose within the past 6 months, nose or sinus problems, nose or sinus surgery, or broken nose that caused the inside of the nose to be crooked (deviated septum).
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192626
•
No
If you are using another drug in the nose.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4194403
No
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4194405
No
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705324
No
All products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697633
•
No
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698524
•
No
If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4727882
•
Male
No
There may be a higher chance of prostate cancer. Talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5093812
•
Male
No
If you have an enlarged prostate, your signs can get worse while you use this drug. Call your doctor if this happens to you.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6716520
•
No
If you have sleep apnea, talk with your doctor. Sometimes, sleep apnea has gotten worse in people using testosterone.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6002809
•
No
Treatment with this drug may lead to higher cholesterol and triglycerides. The effect of these changes on heart health is not known. Talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698463
•
No
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4194396
•
No
This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4716963
•
No
Blood clots have happened with this drug. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot. Talk with your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6335068
•
No
This drug is an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroid drugs have been abused and misused before. Anabolic steroid abuse can lead to dependence and very bad health problems. These health problems include heart or blood vessel problems, stroke, liver problems, and mental or mood problems. Talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6716522
•
No
High calcium levels have happened with drugs like this one in some people with cancer. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of high calcium levels like weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, upset stomach or throwing up, constipation, or bone pain.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697004
•
No
If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5586676
•
No
This drug is not approved for treating low testosterone levels caused by getting older. Talk with your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s7053496
•
Male
No
Large doses of this drug may affect sperm in males and may affect being able to father a child. If this happens, this may not go back to normal after the drug is stopped. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2810666
No
Skin gel, skin solution:
-
urn:lims:b498:s5093762
•
No
Tell the doctor right away if a child or female touches the gel or solution and has any bad effects. In children, these are forceful actions, enlarged sex organs, and early growth of pubic hair. In females, these are a deep voice, change in body hair, or acne.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5093763
•
No
If someone who is pregnant touches the gel or solution, call the doctor right away.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192622
No
Nose gel:
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192627
•
No
If you have very bad nose problems like runny nose, stuffy nose, or postnasal drip, or if you have these problems and they do not go away, talk with your doctor. You may need to stop this drug or switch to another product.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705500
No
Patch:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697650
•
No
The patch may have metal. Take off the patch before an MRI.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705346
No
Cheek tablet:
-
urn:lims:b498:s5094142
•
No
Be sure to inspect your gums where you put this drug on a regular basis. Talk with your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6335327
No
Testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate injection (if given in the muscle):
-
urn:lims:b498:s6958703
•
No
If the patient is a child, use this drug with care. The risk of some side effects may be higher in children.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698550
•
No
This drug may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
-
urn:lims:b498:s4186185
No
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705324
No
All products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699066
•
No
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5039881
•
No
Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5007447
•
Male
No
Erections (hard penis) that happen often or that last a long time.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6797161
•
No
Trouble passing urine, pain when passing urine, passing urine in a weak stream or drips, or passing urine more often.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5849900
•
No
Not able to control passing urine.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5475595
•
No
New or worse behavior or mood changes like depression or thoughts of suicide.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697923
•
No
Enlarged breasts.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697924
•
No
Breast pain.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4193665
•
No
Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698261
•
No
Upset stomach or throwing up.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5093810
•
No
Trouble breathing when sleeping.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6335072
•
No
Feeling sleepy during the day.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698619
•
No
Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697946
•
No
Change in color of skin.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5093811
•
Male
No
Change in size or shape of testicles.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5656499
•
No
Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5969701
•
No
Liver problems have happened with drugs like this one. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192622
No
Nose gel:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698280
•
No
Nosebleed.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4646784
•
No
Dry nose.
-
urn:lims:b498:s3445775
•
No
Nose pain or irritation.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6827255
•
No
Runny or stuffy nose.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192628
•
No
Nose scabs.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4131956
•
No
Sneezing.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705346
No
Cheek tablet:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698110
•
No
Gum changes.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6335073
No
Injection products used in females:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698664
•
Female
No
For females, a deep voice, facial hair, pimples, or period changes.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
-
urn:lims:b498:s4186184
No
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
-
urn:lims:b498:s6018444
No
Capsules:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698119
•
No
Headache.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697998
•
No
Diarrhea.
-
urn:lims:b498:s3572837
•
No
Heartburn.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4468962
•
No
Burping.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705328
No
All other products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698119
•
No
Headache.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696435
•
No
Pimples (acne).
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697998
•
No
Diarrhea.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698036
•
No
Emotional ups and downs.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698074
•
No
Feeling tired or weak.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5014002
•
No
Trouble sleeping.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4642383
•
Irritation where this drug was used.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192622
No
Nose gel:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697983
•
No
Cough.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698371
•
No
Throat irritation.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705346
No
Cheek tablet:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697934
•
No
Change in taste.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696431
•
No
Bad taste in your mouth.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705500
No
Patch:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697883
•
No
Back pain.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699671
No
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4577343
US
No
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best taken?
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696083
No
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6018444
No
Capsules:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2695907
•
No
Take this drug with food.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2810666
No
Skin gel, skin solution:
-
urn:lims:b498:s4638602
•
No
Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your skin only.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696257
•
No
Wash your hands before and after use.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4973142
•
No
Use this drug at the same time of day.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4728077
•
No
Not all products are the same strength. Read and follow label carefully.
-
urn:lims:b498:s3656449
•
No
Do not get this drug on other parts of your body or on other people.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2998401
•
No
Do not put on the genitals.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2695258
•
No
Keep out of your eyes.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5095042
•
No
Some products come in pumps. Some products come in packets. If you are using a pump, you will need to prime it before you use it the first time. Prime the pump as you are told in the package insert.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5095044
•
No
After putting this drug on, you will need to wait some time before you bathe, shower, or swim. Be sure you know how long you need to wait. Read the package insert for more details.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694407
•
No
Let dry before covering with clothing.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694538
•
No
Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until dry.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705537
No
Skin gel:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694513
•
No
Put on clean, dry, healthy skin.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5095043
•
No
Certain products are to be put on certain parts of the body. Be sure you know where to put this drug. Read the package insert for more details.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2810659
No
Skin solution:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2998419
•
No
Put on clean, dry, healthy skin in the armpit using the applicator.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4734526
•
No
Do not use your fingers or hand to rub this drug into the skin.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4734527
•
No
Change armpits with each dose.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4734528
•
No
Allow skin to dry between uses.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4734542
•
No
If you use an antiperspirant or deodorant, put on at least 2 minutes before you put on this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192622
No
Nose gel:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694774
•
No
Do not take this drug by mouth. Use in your nose only. Keep out of your mouth and eyes (may burn).
-
urn:lims:b498:s4862623
•
No
If you get this drug on the skin, wash it off right away with soap and water.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4973142
•
No
Use this drug at the same time of day.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696257
•
No
Wash your hands before and after use.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192629
•
No
You will need to prime the pump before first use. Do this by turning it upside down and pressing down on the pump 10 times. If any drug comes out during priming, wash down the sink with warm water.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694567
•
No
Blow your nose before use.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5192630
•
No
Do not blow your nose or sniff for 1 hour after using this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696277
•
No
Wipe device with a clean tissue. Do not wash.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705500
No
Patch:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694797
•
No
Do not use patches that are cut or do not look right.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694478
•
No
Put patch on clean, dry, healthy skin on back, belly, thigh, or upper arm.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6335079
•
No
Do not put on an area that is bony. Do not put on an area that will have pressure on it for a long time while sleeping or sitting.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2998401
•
No
Do not put on the genitals.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6702770
•
No
Do not put on skin that is oily, sweats a lot, or has hair on it. The patch may not stick well.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5099163
•
No
Put on a new patch at the same time every night. Be sure to take off the old patch before you put on the new one.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4734543
•
No
Move the patch site with each new patch. Do not put on the same site for 7 days.
-
urn:lims:b498:s3560844
•
No
Do not bathe, shower, or swim for 3 hours after putting on.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4790825
•
No
Do not cover the patch with other bandages or tape. If the patch does not stick well, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5099164
•
No
If your patch falls off before noon, put on a new patch and wear it until you put on a new patch at your normal time.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5099166
•
No
If your patch falls off after noon, do not put on a new one. Wait and put on a new patch at your normal time.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699145
•
No
After you take off a skin patch, be sure to fold the sticky sides of the patch to each other. Throw away used patches where children and pets cannot get to them.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705346
No
Cheek tablet:
-
urn:lims:b498:s4471685
•
No
Do not take this drug out of the blister pack until you are ready to take it. Take this drug right away after opening the blister pack. Do not store the removed drug for future use.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696258
•
No
Wash your hands before use.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2876780
•
No
Dry your hands and place the tablet in your mouth above the incisor tooth between the upper cheek and gum. Leave the tablet in place until it dissolves.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696380
•
No
Do not chew or swallow.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2998423
•
No
Change the side of mouth with each dose.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4734562
•
No
Do not take out until it is time for your next dose.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4734563
•
No
Make sure drug is still in place after eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, or using mouthwash.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5094962
•
No
If the drug does not stick or falls out, follow what your doctor has told you or read the package insert. If you are not sure what to do, talk with your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4734568
•
No
To remove tablet, gently slide it down from the gum toward the tooth to keep from scratching the gum.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5005902
No
All injection products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s4795794
•
No
Some products need to be given into the fatty part of the skin. Some products need to be given into a muscle. Talk with the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how to use this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696367
•
No
If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696258
•
No
Wash your hands before use.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5242624
•
No
Be sure you know where to give the shot. If you are not sure where to give the shot, talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6716552
•
No
Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699169
•
No
Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5816450
•
No
This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696118
•
No
Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
-
urn:lims:b498:s5099182
No
Testosterone undecanoate
injection:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696446
•
No
Call your doctor to find out what to do.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705328
No
All other products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696583
•
No
Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696496
•
No
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5515260
•
No
Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
-
urn:lims:b498:s5455987
No
All products other than injection:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699340
•
No
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699266
•
No
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2810666
No
Skin gel, skin solution:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699261
•
No
Protect from heat or open flame.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705346
No
Cheek tablet:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699262
•
No
Protect from heat.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705500
No
Patch:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699405
•
No
Store in pouch until ready for use.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5005902
No
All injection products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699596
•
No
If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705324
No
All products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s6924311
•
No
Store this drug in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it, and where other people cannot get to it. A locked box or area may help keep this drug safe. Keep all drugs away from pets.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4194563
•
No
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699675
•
No
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699673
•
No
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699709
•
US
No
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698721
•
No
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Last Reviewed Date2021-01-14
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
-
urn:lims:b498:s3671576
No
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
-
urn:lims:b498:s3674382
No
© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
Topic 11879 Version 268.0