An Overview of Testosterone

tes-TOS-te-rone

Brand Name: Androgel, Depo-Testosterone, Androderm, Testoderm
Other Name(s): Sustanon, Testosterona
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs

Testosterone, also known as Androderm, Androgel, Depo-Testosterone, and Testoderm, belongs to the class of medicines known as androgens. Androgens are male hormones. Some androgens, including testosterone, are naturally produced by the body. Prescribed androgens work by replacing the hormones that would normally be produced by the body, but because of disease or a medical condition, the hormone level is too low. The hormone testosterone is necessary for male sexual development and functioning and for maintaining muscle strength and mass. Testosterone is approved by the FDA for hormone replacement in men who have low levels of testosterone and for use in certain women who have breast cancer.

Indications and Usage

Although the practice is not yet approved by the FDA, testosterone is used for the treatment of AIDS wasting syndrome. Testosterone is also used to increase muscle mass and decrease body fat in HIV patients.

Dosage Form/Administration

Testosterone comes in injection, gel, and patch forms. The injection form is injected into muscle. The gel form is applied to clean, dry skin on the back or upper abdomen. Patches are applied to the clean, shaved scrotum, abdomen, back, thighs, or arms.

Contraindications

Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine. Men with breast or prostate cancer, women who are or may become pregnant, or people with serious heart, liver, or kidney disease should not take this medicine.

Possible Side Effects

Along with its desired effects, testosterone can cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine for men include abnormal ejaculation; breast soreness or enlargement; frequent, long-lasting (up to 4 hours), or painful erection; frequent urge to urinate; or prostate problems. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.Serious side effects of this medicine for women include absent or unusual menstrual cycles; acne or oily skin when it occurs with decreased breast size; hoarse or deepened voice; increased size of genitals; or increased hair growth or male pattern baldness. Pregnant women should not use testosterone because of the risk of serious harm to the fetus. Also, pregnant women should avoid skin contact with testosterone application sites on others because transdermal testosterone can rub off onto them. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include anxiety, depression, or irritability; blistering under the patch (especially when a patch is applied to bony areas); decreased sex drive; diarrhea; dizziness; flushing of the skin; headache; mild acne; nausea; pain, redness, or irritation where the medicine was injected; stomach or back pain; and trouble sleeping. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug Interactions

A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), and herbal medications.

Clinical Trials

Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Testosterone.

Manufacturer Information

Androderm
Watson Laboratories Inc
311 Bonnie Circle
Corona, CA 92880-2882
Phone: 800-272-5525
Fax: 909-735-2871

Androgel
Unimed Pharmaceuticals Inc
4 Parkway North 2nd floor
Deerfield, IL 60015
Phone: 847-282-5400
Fax: 847-374-8480

Depo-Testosterone
Pfizer Inc
235 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017-5755
Phone: 800-438-1985

Depo-Testosterone
Pharmacia Corporation
100 Route 206 North
Peapack, NJ 07977
Phone: 888-768-5501
Fax: 908-901-8379

Testosterone
Watson Laboratories Inc
311 Bonnie Circle
Corona, CA 92880-2882
Phone: 800-272-5525
Fax: 909-735-2871