Before taking or using testosterone

Before taking or using testosterone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have heart problems or high blood pressure.
• If you suffer from epilepsy or migraine.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you are suffering from any type of cancer (unless you are a woman being treated for breast cancer).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to take or use testosterone

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take or use testosterone exactly as your doctor has told you to.
• If you are using Restandol® Testocaps: Swallow the capsules whole, with or straight after a meal. Do not crush or chew the capsules.
• If you are using Striant® SR tablets: Place the rounded side of the tablet on your gum above your front teeth and hold it firmly in place for about 30 seconds. Replace the tablet every 12 hours.
• If you are having an injection or an implant: These are given by your doctor or nurse, usually on a regular basis, so make sure you know when your next treatment is due.
• If you are using Intrinsa® patches: Apply 1 patch twice a week to a clean, dry area of the skin on your lower abdomen (below your waistline). Make sure you remove the old patch before using a new one, and apply the new one to a different area of your abdomen. Try avoid using the same area of skin for at least 7 days.
• If you are using Testim®, Testogel® or Tostran® gels: Apply the gel at about the same time each day, to a clean, dry area of skin. The manufacturer's information leaflet will explain which areas of skin your gel can be applied to - read this carefully before starting this treatment.
• If you miss a dose, read the manufacturer's information leaflet which comes with your treatment for advice on what to do.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
• If you are a man and experience frequent or persistent erections, you must let your doctor know. Your dose may need to be adjusted or your treatment stopped to avoid any injury.
• If you are a woman, you must let your doctor know if you notice any unusual hair growth or if your voice deepens.

Can testosterone 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.

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

How to store testosterone

• 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

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Testim® Gel, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2010, accessed November 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Testogel®, Bayer plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2007, accessed November 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Tostran® 2% Gel, ProStrakan, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2010, accessed November 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Restandol® Testocaps 40 mg capsule, Organon Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2010, accessed November 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Intrinsa® 300 micrograms/24 hours transdermal patch, Warner Chilcott UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2008, accessed November 2010.
• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)