Uses

This medication is used by men who have low or no testosterone due to certain medical conditions (such as hypogonadism). Testosterone belongs to a class of drugs known as androgens. It helps the body to develop and maintain male sexual characteristics (masculinity), such as a deep voice and body hair. It also helps to maintain muscle and prevent bone loss, and is needed for natural sexual ability/desire.

This medication should not be used in women.

How To Use

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking/using testosterone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Some brands should not be chewed and should be swallowed whole for the best effect. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for taking your brand of this medication.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Misuse or abuse of testosterone can cause serious side effects such as heart disease (including heart attack), stroke, liver disease, mental/mood problems, abnormal drug-seeking behavior, or improper bone growth (in adolescents). Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. If testosterone is misused or abused, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, irritability, tiredness) when you suddenly stop using the drug. These symptoms may last from weeks to months.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin color changes, increased/decreased sexual interest, oily skin, hair loss, and acne may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, depression, increased anger)
• trouble sleeping/snoring (including sleep apnea)
• signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
• hands/ankles/feet swelling
• unusual tiredness
• fast/irregular heartbeat
• trouble urinating
• increased urination (especially at night)
• breast swelling/tenderness
• too frequent/prolonged erections

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• shortness of breath/rapid breathing
• chest/jaw/left arm pain
• unusual sweating
• confusion
• sudden dizziness/fainting
• pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
• sudden/severe headaches
• trouble speaking
• weakness on one side of the body
• sudden vision changes

Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using testosterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• cancer (such as breast cancer in men, prostate cancer)
• blood clots (such as in the leg, lungs)
• heart disease (such as heart failure, chest pain, heart attack)
• stroke
• liver problems
• kidney problems
• certain mineral imbalance (high calcium blood level)
• high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• enlarged prostate
• breathing problems (such as sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
• diabetes

If you have diabetes, this product may lower your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially prostate/liver problems, swelling of arms/legs.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. In children, it may affect bone growth. Monitor your child's height periodically.

This medication can affect fertility in males. Ask your doctor for more details.

This medication should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may harm an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Consult your doctor for more details.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• "blood thinners" (such as warfarin)

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (including thyroid function tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is against the law.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, testosterone levels, blood counts, liver function, cholesterol levels, PSA) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.