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 GEL - TOPICAL

(tess-TOSS-ter-own)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Androgel, Testim

Uses

Testosterone gel is used to treat men with conditions of low testosterone hormone levels (e.g., hypogonadism). This drug should not be used in women.

How To Use

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Open the medication packet or tube. Squeeze the entire contents or a portion of the packet into your hand. If only a portion of the gel is squeezed from the packet at a time, be sure to repeat until the entire contents of the packet are used unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Apply the medication as directed to the clean, dry skin of the shoulders or upper arms once daily in the morning; or use as directed by your doctor. Certain generics of this medication may also be applied to the lower stomach (abdomen). Check your patient information leaflet or ask your pharmacist if your brand may be applied to the lower stomach (abdomen). Avoid applying gel to skin with open sores or to broken, irritated skin. Do not apply this medication to the genitals (scrotum). Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying this medication. This medication should be dry on the skin before getting dressed. Wait 6 hours after applying the gel before you shower or swim.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, headache, hair loss, change in sexual drive, or redness/swelling/change in color of the skin, or acne may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling (edema), trouble breathing (including very slow or shallow breathing), trouble urinating. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, breast pain or enlargement, mental/mood changes, weight gain, change in size or shape of the testicles. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: low blood sugar (symptoms such as shakiness, nervousness, rapid pulse, sweating). If you experience a painful or prolonged erection (lasting longer than 4 hours), stop using testosterone and seek immediate medical attention. Permanent impotence could result if the condition is not treated promptly. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: breast cancer (males), prostate cancer. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, prostate problems (e.g., enlarged prostate or BPH), heart problems, kidney problems, diabetes, high cholesterol level, difficulty breathing during sleep (apnea), high blood pressure, any allergies (especially to soy). The application site on your skin can transfer this medication to others during direct skin contact. Other persons should avoid direct skin contact with the application site, or you can use protective clothing to cover the site. Should anyone's skin directly contact the application site, their skin should be washed immediately with soap and water. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This medication should not be used in women. Women must avoid direct skin contact with a male's testosterone application site if the woman is pregnant, may be pregnant, or is breast-feeding. Testosterone may be absorbed into her bloodstream and cause fetal harm. Discuss the risks with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: other skin products, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), insulin, oral diabetes medication (e.g., glyburide, metformin), oxyphenbutazone, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin). This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. 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. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of an overdose may include one- sided weakness, vision problems, or confusion.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others; it is against the law. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., PSA, cholesterol) may be performed to monitor your progress. Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.