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.

TESTOSTERONE - INTRAMUSCULAR

(tess-TOSS-ter-own)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Delatestryl, Everone, Tesamone, Testro, Virilon

Uses

Testosterone is a hormone used for replacement in males who are not producing proper amounts of testosterone for various reasons. This medication is also used in women to treat breast cancer and postpartum breast pain or engorgement.

How To Use

This medication is given by injection into a muscle a prescribed. The short-acting forms are given 2 to 3 times a week and the long-acting forms are usually given every 2 to 4 weeks. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Side Effects

This medication may cause stomach upset, headache, and acne. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may include increased hair growth on the face and body, male pattern baldness, change in sex drive, anxiety, depression and pain or inflammation at the injection site. Males may experience enlargement of the breasts and increase in the frequency and duration of erections. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: nausea, vomiting, swelling of the hands or feet (edema), jaundice. In women this may cause menstrual irregularities, hoarseness, deepening of the voice, clitoral enlargement, increased facial hair growth, acne or thinning of hair. Notify your doctor if any of these effects occur. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: cancer of the prostate or breast (males), liver or kidney disease, enlarged prostate, any allergies. High dosage, long-term use of androgens has been related to liver cancer. Discuss your medicine with your doctor/pharmacist. 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 using this medication. This drug must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Because the possibility exists this medication may have serious, harmful effects on a nursing infant, nursing should not be undertaken while using this drug. Consult your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), drugs used for diabetes. 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

Serious, life-threatening side effects may result from the abuse of this medication. This must be used only for whom it was prescribed for the condition prescribed. Laboratory tests will be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor the effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture as directed. Do not store in the bathroom. The vial may be warmed by rolling it in your hands to dissolve crystals if they form.