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Generic Name: testosterone topical (patches and gel) (tes TOS ter one TOP ik ul)
Brand Names: Androderm, AndroGel, Testim

What is testosterone topical?

Testosterone is a naturally occurring male hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Testosterone topical is used to treat conditions in men that result from a lack of natural testosterone.

Testosterone topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about testosterone topical?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using testosterone topical?

Before using testosterone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• diabetes;

• sleep apnea or chronic breathing problems;

• liver disease or kidney disease; or

• if you are overweight.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use testosterone topical, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

How should I use testosterone topical?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Apply the testosterone topical (transdermal) patch to a flat, clean, dry, and undamaged area of skin on your back, stomach, upper arm, or thigh. Wear the patch for 24 hours and then replace it with a new patch. Apply your patch at the same time each evening.

Choose a different skin area to wear each new patch you put on. You should not use the same skin area twice in a 7-day period.

After removing a patch, fold it closed with the sticky side in, and throw it away in a place where pets and children cannot reach it.

Apply the testosterone gel at the same time each day (preferably in the morning) to clean, dry, unbroken skin on the shoulders or upper arms. Open the gel pouch, and squeeze the entire contents onto the palm of your hand. Apply the gel right away and allow it to dry for at least 5 minutes before you dress. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the gel.

It is best to cover treated skin areas with clothing while using testosterone gel. This will help prevent getting this medicine on other people. If someone else does come into contact with a treated skin area, they must wash the contact area right away with soap and water.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your prostate or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

It is important to use testosterone topical regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the gel or skin patch as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to apply your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra patches or gel to make up the missed dose.

If a transdermal patch falls off in the morning, reapply it. If it does not stick well, apply a new patch. If the patch falls off in the afternoon and cannot be reapplied, wait until your regular patch replacement time in the evening before putting on a new patch.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using testosterone topical?

Avoid swimming, bathing, or showering for at least 5 hours after applying AndroGel testosterone gel, or 2 hours after applying Testim testosterone gel.

Avoid using lotions, oils, or other skin products on the area where you will apply the skin patch. The patch may not stick properly to the skin.

If your doctor recommends a topical steroid medicine such as hydrocortisone to treat skin irritation caused by wearing a testosterone skin patch, avoid using an ointment form of the steroid.

The Androderm transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the Androderm patch before undergoing such a test.

Testosterone topical side effects

• burn-like blistering of the skin where the transdermal patch is worn;

• skin irritation with patch-wearing that does not get better with time;

• problems with urination;

• swelling of your ankles;

• frequent, prolonged, or bothersome erections; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Continue using testosterone topical and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• redness, itching, burning, or hardened skin where the skin patch is worn;

• breast swelling or tenderness;

• increased acne or hair growth;

• headache, depressed mood; or

• changes in your sex drive.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect testosterone topical?

Before using testosterone topical, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• insulin;

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin);

• oxyphenbutazone (Tandearil); or

• a corticosteroid such as methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others), and others.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use testosterone topical, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect testosterone topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about testosterone topical written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Testosterone topical is available with a prescription under the brand names Androderm, AndroGel, and Testim. Other brand and generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Androderm 2.5 mg/day

• Androderm 5.0 mg/day

• AndroGel 2.5 g aluminum foil packet

• AndroGel 5 g aluminum foil packet

• Testim 1% (50 mg) 5 g per tube

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.