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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Mesterolone

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Mesterolone

  • Mesterolone is for men only.
  • It works by supplementing the body's natural male sex hormones.
  • Side-effects of treatment are similar to male hormone effects such as increased hair growth, changes in sexual desire and an increase in weight.

About mesterolone

Type of medicineAndrogen (male hormone)
Used forAndrogen deficiency (low levels of natural male hormones)
Infertility in men due to low levels of natural male hormones
Also calledPro-Viron®
Available asTablets

Mesterolone belongs to the group of medicines known as androgens which are male hormones. It can be used to treat disorders in men where the body does not produce enough natural androgen. It works by supplementing the amount of androgen naturally produced.

Before taking mesterolone

Before taking mesterolone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have heart problems.
  • If you have high blood pressure.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you have diabetes mellitus.
  • If you suffer from migraine.
  • If you have any type of cancer.
  • If you have been told you have high levels of calcium in your blood.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take mesterolone

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take mesterolone tablets exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usual to start by taking one tablet 3 or 4 times a day, although this dose may be reduced after a few months.
  • Try to take mesterolone at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as normal. If, however, you remember when it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you experience frequent erections or erections that last a long time, you must let your doctor know. Your dose may need to be adjusted or treatment stopped to avoid injury.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will need to have regular prostate examinations as this treatment may increase your risk of prostate cancer. If you are concerned about this, speak with your doctor.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with mesterolone.

Can mesterolone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Increase in weight, muscle cramps, and joint pain
Male hormone effects such as changes in sexual desire, increased hair growth, baldness and acne
Changes in mood such as depression, anxiety, irritability		If any of these become troublesome, talk to your doctor

Important: if you experience black or blood-stained stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), difficulty urinating or blood in the urine, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store mesterolone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Pro-Viron®, Bayer plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2008, accessed May 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3306DocRef: dils2247Last Reviewed: 22 Jul 2010Version: 22
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