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Testosterone

  • Testosterone is given as replacement therapy when natural testosterone levels fall too low.
  • Several different preparations of testosterone are available. Some are suitable for use only in men, and others for use only in women.
  • If you are a man and experience frequent or persistent erections, let your doctor know.
  • If you are a woman and notice hair growth on your face or your voice becoming deeper, let your doctor know.

About testosterone

Type of medicineAndrogen (male sex hormone)
Used forAndrogen deficiency in men
Delayed puberty in men
As part of hormonal replacement therapy in postmenopausal women
As part of hormonal replacement therapy following surgery
in women
Breast cancer in women
Also calledRestandol® Testocaps (for use in men only)
Striant® SR (for use in men only)
Nebido® (for use in men only)
Sustanon® 250 (for use in men only)
Virormone®
Intrinsa® (for use in women only)
Testim® (for use in men only)
Testogel® (for use in men only)
Tostran® (for use in men only)
Available asCapsules, mucoadhesive buccal tablets, injection, implant, patch and gel

In men, testosterone is produced by the testicles and is essential for normal growth and development of the male sex organs and male sexual characteristics. Testosterone is given to men as replacement therapy when natural testosterone levels are too low.

Testosterone also occurs naturally in small amounts in women. It is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal gland, and is associated with a woman's sexual desire. The levels of testosterone fall slowly as a woman approaches the menopause and more quickly following surgery to remove the ovaries. In both these cases, testosterone replacement therapy can be used.

Testosterone may also occasionally be used to treat breast cancer in women.

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.

Some 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. If the headaches continue, speak with your doctor
Mood changesSpeak with your doctor if this continues to be troublesome
Feeling sick, abdominal painEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Hair growth and voice changes (in women)Let your doctor know
Local irritation (when using gel or patches)Try to rotate the site of application
Other common side-effects include: acne, difficulty sleeping, migraine, breast pain or development, increased weight, itching, baldness (in men)If any of these become troublesome, let your doctor know

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


  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • 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.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • 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

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 1500DocRef: dils3763Last Reviewed: 17 Jan 2011Version: 26
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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