Testosterone subcutaneous pellets

What is this medicine?

TESTOSTERONE (tes TOS ter one) is the main male hormone. It supports normal male traits such as muscle growth, facial hair, and deep voice. This medicine is used in males to treat low testosterone levels.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine will be inserted under your skin by your doctor or health care professional.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breast enlargement

• breathing problems

• changes in mood, especially anger, depression, or rage

• dark urine

• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

• light-colored stools

• loss of appetite, nausea

• nausea, vomiting

• right upper belly pain

• stomach pain

• swelling of ankles

• too frequent or persistent erections

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• acne

• change in sex drive or performance

• hair loss

• headache

What may interact with this medicine?

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

• oxyphenbutazone

• propranolol

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. Your doctor or health care professional will tell you when your next dose is due. Notify the office if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug will be inserted under your skin by your doctor. It will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• breast cancer

• diabetes

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease

• prostate cancer, enlargement

• an unusual or allergic reaction to testosterone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• this drug is not for use in females

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. They will need to check the level of testosterone in your blood.

This medicine is only approved for use in men who have low levels of testosterone related to certain medical conditions. Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of this medicine. Notify your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency treatment if you develop breathing problems; changes in vision; confusion; chest pain or chest tightness; sudden arm pain; severe, sudden headache; trouble speaking or understanding; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; loss of balance or coordination. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice a change in the way this medicine is working. It is possible that the pellets may accidentally fall out.

This drug is banned from use in athletes by most athletic organizations.