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Overview

Testosterone

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Testosterone

The primary use of Testosterone is as an androgen replacement therapy in the treatment of delayed male puberty. Also, it is used in postpartum breast pain and engorgement; inoperable breast cancer; and male hypogonadism.

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and is also available as a prescription medicine to help treat male hypogonadism and symptoms of low testosterone levels. The symptoms of a low Testosterone level may include low energy, sexual dysfunction and the loss of a few key male characteristics.

Testosterone works by supplying the body its natural level of testosterone. Testosterone medications is available in the form of transdermal patches which are placed on the skin, gels, topical solutions, injections, buccal patches that are applied to the upper gums, and pellets implanted under the skin.

Testosterone levels in your body naturally decline as you age. In some cases they decline to abnormal levels which lead to complications such as reduced energy, adrenal fatigue, hyperthyroidism, and sexual dysfunction. In these cases Testosterone replacement therapy is used to restore the Testosterone to normal levels. It is administered through patches, injections or gels.

Some of the side effects of Testosterone include: sleep apnea, gynecomastia, reduce the sperm count, gum irritation, it can increase the red blood cell count to dangerous levels. Others include: severe itching, fluid-filled blisters, red, irritated skin.

Diabetics should monitor serum glucose closely and notify prescriber of changes; this medication may alter hypoglycemic requirements. You may experience acne, growth of body hair, loss of libido, impotence, or menstrual irregularity (usually reversible); nausea or vomiting (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking lozenges, or chewing gum may help).

Report changes in menstrual pattern; enlarged or painful breasts; deepening of voice or unusual growth of body hair; persistent penile erection; fluid retention (swelling of ankles, feet, or hands, difficulty breathing or sudden weight gain); unresolved changes in CNS (nervousness, chills, insomnia, depression, aggressiveness); altered urinary patterns; change in color of urine or stool; yellowing of eyes or skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; or other persistent adverse reactions.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Testosterone

    • Male Hypogonadism

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Testosterone ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Testosterone ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Testosterone

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Testosterone is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Human and animal studies have shown significant adverse effects on the foetus. Please consult your doctor. Inform prescriber if you are pregnant. Do not get pregnant during or for 1 month following therapy.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This drug may cause severe fetal defects. Do not breast-feed. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      There is no interaction between driving and consuming this drug. So dose alteration is not needed.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Patients suffering from severe cardiac, hepatic or renal insufficiency or ischaemic heart disease, treatment with testosterone may cause severe complications

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no interaction between liver impairment and consuming this drug. So dose alteration is not needed.

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      Based upon the route of administration and which testosterone ester is used; the cypionate and enanthate esters have the longest duration, up to 2-4 weeks after I.M. administration.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of Testosterone, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Testosterone

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Testosterone as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    Testosterone works by two methods: by the activation of androgen receptor and conversion of estradiol and activation of estrogen receptors. Free testosterone is carried to cytoplasm within targeted cells of tissues where it combines to androgen receptor.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Endocrinologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Testosterone ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        May cause a decrease in creatinine and creatine excretion and an increase in the excretion of 17-ketosteroids, thyroid function tests.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        CYP3A3/4 and 3A5-7 enzyme substrate.
      • Interaction with Disease

        • Perform radiographic examination of the hand and wrist every 6 months to determine the rate of bone maturation. May accelerate bone maturation without producing compensating gain in linear growth. Has both androgenic and anabolic activity, the anabolic action may enhance hypoglycemia.
        • Prolonged use has been associated with serious hepatic effects (hepatitis, hepatic neoplasms, cholestatic hepatitis, jaundice). May potentiate sleep apnea in some male patients (obesity or chronic lung disease) or exacerbate heart failure due to fluid retention.

      FAQs about Testosterone

      • Ques : What is Testosterone?

        Ans : The primary use of Testosterone is as an androgen replacement therapy in the treatment of delayed male puberty. Also, it is used in postpartum breast pain and engorgement; inoperable breast cancer; and male hypogonadism.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Testosterone?

        Ans : Testosterone used for the treatment of Male Hypogonadism.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Testosterone before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Testosterone?

        Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

      • Ques : Should I use Testosterone empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Testosterone?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      • Ques : How is this Testosterone administered?

        Ans : This medication is administered by injection.

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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