Testosterone
Description
Testosterone is a naturally occurring sex hormone in men and women. This medicine is used to treat conditions caused by low levels of testosterone hormone in the body. These conditions include delayed puberty, impotence, and other hormonal imbalances..
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Testosterone
- Enlargement of breasts in males
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Injection site pain
- Gum or mouth irritation
- Change in taste
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
Uses of Testosterone
What is it prescribed for?
- Hypogonadism
- Breast cancer
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is subject to vary based on the route of administration.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 24 hours for the gel and 2 to 4 weeks for the intramuscular injection.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?This medicine may be habit forming.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to testosterone or any other ingredients present along with it.
Breast cancer in males
This medicine is not recommended for use in men with breast cancer.
Prostate cancer
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of prostate cancer.
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Prostate cancer
This medicine should be used with caution in geriatric patients due to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Severe heart disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of severe heart disease due to the increased risk of a heart attack and stroke. Close monitoring of heart function is recommended for such patients.
Fluid retention
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with fluid retention and edema due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of fluid and electrolytes level is recommended for such patients.
Polycythemia
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of polycythemia due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is recommended for such patients.
Hypercalcemia
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, or renal dysfunction due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of calcium levels is recommended for such patients. The therapy may be discontinued based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Testosterone abuse
This medicine is not recommended for use in higher doses than prescribed. If testosterone abuse is suspected, frequent monitoring of serum testosterone levels should be done to ensure that they are in the therapeutic range.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Testosterone is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Fluconazole
Glimepiride
Levothyroxine
Anticoagulants
Disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs
Disease interactions
Carcinoma in males
Testosterone is not recommended for use in male patients with carcinoma of the breast or prostate since it may worsen the patient's condition. An alternative treatment option should be considered based on the clinical condition.
Fluid Retention and edema
Testosterone is not recommended for use in patients with fluid overload and edema due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Bleeding disorders
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of bleeding disorders due to the increased risk of excessive bleeding. Close monitoring of prothrombin time or INR is recommended for such patients.
Diabetes
This medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood glucose levels when used along with antidiabetic medicines. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary for patients with diabetes using Testosterone. Appropriate dose adjustments should be made under your doctor's supervision.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Testosterone exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take larger amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Testosterone helps in the growth, development, and functioning of the male sexual organs and typical secondary sexual characteristics. This medicine works by supplying synthetic testosterone to replace the testosterone that is normally produced in the body.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Androgens and anabolic steroids
Schedule
Schedule H
DailyMed - DEPO-TESTOSTERONE- testosterone cypionate injection, solution [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 3 August 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 3 August 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 3 August 2017]. Available from:
Testosterone - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 3 August 2017]. Available from:
Testosterone Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 3 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 11 Dec 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.