Testosterone injection

What is this medicine?

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

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age 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 emotions or moods

• deep or hoarse voice

• irregular menstrual periods

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• stomach pain

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• too frequent or persistent erections

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

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

• facial hair growth

• 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 injection is due. Notify the office if you are unable to keep an appointment.

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 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Follow the directions for the product you are prescribed. 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:

• cancer

• diabetes

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease

• prostate disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to testosterone, 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.

Testosterone injections are not commonly used in women. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about your birth control options while taking this medicine.

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