Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FLUOXYMESTERONE - ORAL

(flew-ox-ee-MESS-ter-own)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Halotestin

Uses

This medication is a male hormone used to treat delayed male puberty or to treat a testosterone/androgen deficiency. In women, this medication is used to treat breast cancer.

How To Use

Take with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

May cause headache, indigestion, oily skin, acne, anxiety, sleeplessness. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Males may experience breast tenderness, change in sex drive, impotence or problems with erections. Females may experience deepening of the voice, change in sex drive, irregular menstruation or enlargement of the clitoris. Notify your doctor if any of these occur. Notify your doctor if you experience: vomiting, swelling of the ankles or feet, unusual weight gain, yellowing of the eyes/skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking this drug, notify your doctor of any disease you have, especially: cancer of the prostate or breast (males), liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, allergies, enlarged prostate. High dosage, long-term use of androgens has been related to liver cancer. Discuss your medicine with your doctor/pharmacist. This drug should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Breast feeding should be avoided while taking/using this medicine. Females should be monitored for signs of virilization, such as deepening of the voice, facial hair, acne, menstrual irregularity, or clitoral enlargement. Consult your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms occur. Use in children should be undertaken with extreme caution due to the possibility this drug may have undesirable effects related to the growth of the child. Geriatric men are at higher risk for developing enlarged prostates or prostate cancer when taking this medication.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially: anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), diabetes medication, oxyphenbutazone. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Lab tests will be done periodically to monitor your response to the medication. Do not switch brands of this drug without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Not all products are found to be equally effective. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose and are taking one dose daily: take as soon as remembered unless you do not remember until the next day. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. If you are taking more than one dose daily: take as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.