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testosterone oral
testosterone oral
What is the most important information I should know about testosterone?
What is the most important information I should know about testosterone?
You should not be treated with testosterone if you have prostate cancer, male breast cancer, or low testosterone due to getting older.
Testosterone can increase your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. You may need to stop using testosterone or start taking blood pressure medication.
Testosterone should not be used to enhance athletic performance.
What is testosterone?
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a naturally occurring sex hormone produced in a man's testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are also produced in a woman's ovaries and adrenal system.
Testosterone is used as a hormone replacement therapy in adult men with certain medical conditions that cause low or no testosterone levels.
Testosterone will not enhance athletic performance and should not be used for that purpose.
Testosterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking testosterone?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking testosterone?
You should not use testosterone if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- male breast cancer;
- prostate cancer; or
- low testosterone due to getting older.
Although this medicine is for use only in men, testosterone can harm an unborn baby and should not be used by a pregnant woman.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- high blood pressure;
- sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
- an enlarged prostate and urination problems;
- liver or kidney disease;
- depression, anxiety, a mood disorder, suicidal thoughts or actions; or
- increased hematocrit or hemoglobin levels on a blood test.
Using testosterone may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Ask your doctor about this risk.
Testosterone can lower your sperm count, which may affect fertility (your ability to have children).
How should I take testosterone?
How should I take testosterone?
Your doctor will perform a blood test to make sure testosterone is the right treatment for your condition.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Testosterone is usually taken 1 time in the morning and 1 time in the evening. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Always take this medicine with food.
You will need frequent blood tests and your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your next dose may be delayed based on the results.
Misuse of testosterone can cause dangerous or irreversible effects, such as enlarged breasts, small testicles, infertility, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, liver disease, bone growth problems, addiction, and mental effects such as aggression and violence. Stealing, selling, or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking testosterone?
What should I avoid while taking testosterone?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of testosterone?
What are the possible side effects of testosterone?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Testosterone can increase your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. You may need to stop using testosterone or start taking blood pressure medication.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- swelling in your feet, ankles or legs;
- pain or swelling in your breasts;
- breathing problems during sleep (breathing may stop);
- unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, thoughts about hurting yourself;
- liver problems --nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- signs of a blood clot in the lung --chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
- signs of a blood clot deep in the body --pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in your leg; or
- worsening symptoms of an enlarged prostate --increased urination, a weak stream of urine, an urgent need to urinate, or loss of bladder control.
Common side effects may include:
- increased red blood cell counts;
- an enlarged prostate;
- erections that are more frequent or that last longer than usual;
- increased blood pressure;
- nausea, heartburn, burping;
- diarrhea;
- headache; or
- swelling in your lower legs.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect testosterone?
What other drugs will affect testosterone?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- insulin;
- blood pressure medications;
- medicine to treat pain, cough, or cold symptoms;
- a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
- steroid medicine --prednisone, dexamethasone, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect testosterone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about testosterone.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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