Testosterone skin patches

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 skin patch is used in males to treat low testosterone levels.

How should I use this medicine?

Apply these patches once daily, at the same time every evening. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Open the pouch and remove the patch. Remove the protective liner and silver disk from the patch. If the liner is difficult to pull off or if you see glue sticking to the liner, do NOT use the patch, throw it away and get a new one. Apply to a clean, dry area of intact skin on the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs. Do not apply to a bony area like the hip or shoulder or an area that might receive a lot of pressure while sitting or sleeping. Do not apply to the genitals or scrotum. Remove and replace the patch as directed every 24 hours, applying a new patch to a new site. When you remove a patch, do not place another patch on the same spot for at least 7 days. The patch may be worn during sex, showering, or swimming. Excessive sweating or strenuous exercise might cause the patch to loosen or fall off.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this skin patch has been used in males as young as 15 years of age, precautions may 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 the 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

• mild redness of the skin under the patch

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. If the patch becomes loose, simply smooth it down again around the edges. If a patch is forgotten or falls off before noon, apply a fresh patch and wear it until you get back on your normal schedule that evening. If a patch is forgotten or falls off in the afternoon or later in the day, do not use a new patch until it is time for your next evening dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep each patch in its sealed pouch until ready to use. Protect from heat. Do not use a patch that appears to be damaged. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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, adhesives, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

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.

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

If you are going to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, tell your MRI technician if you have this patch on your body. It must be removed before a MRI.