What is this medicine?
TESTOSTERONE (tes TOS ter one) is the main male hormone. It supports normal male traits such as muscle growth, facial hair, and deep voice. This medicine is used in males to treat low testosterone levels.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Androderm 2.5MG/24HR Patches | WATSON LABS | 60/$257.92 or 120/$503.68 |
| Androderm 5MG/24HR Patches | WATSON LABS | 30/$265.64 or 90/$757.26 |
| AndroGel 25MG/2.5GM Gel | UNIMED | 75/$261.01 or 225/$758.18 |
| AndroGel 50MG/5GM Gel | UNIMED | 150/$264.84 or 450/$727.47 |
| AndroGel Pump 1% Gel | UNIMED | 150/$280.32 or 450/$771.17 |
| First-Testosterone 2% Ointment | CUTIS PHARMA INC | 60/$50.26 or 180/$131.92 |
| First-Testosterone MC 2% Cream | CUTIS PHARMA INC | 60/$51.52 or 180/$135.25 |
| Striant 30MG Misc | COLUMBIA LABORATORIES | 60/$247.03 or 180/$708.95 |
| Testim 1% Gel | AUXILIUM PHARMACEUTICALS INC | 150/$277.92 or 450/$767.07 |
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breast enlargement
- breathing problems
- changes in mood, especially anger, depression, or rage
- dark urine
- general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
- gum blister
- light-colored stools
- loss of appetite, nausea
- nausea, vomiting
- right upper belly pain
- stomach pain
- swelling of ankles
- too frequent or persistent erections
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- unusually weak or tired
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- acne
- altered, bitter taste
- change in sex drive or performance
- dry mouth
- gum irritation, pain, swelling
- headache
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
Patients should read and understand how to use medicine. Follow the directions given to you by your doctor or health care professional. This medicine is placed on the gums in the mouth. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?- medicines for diabetes
- medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
- oxyphenbutazone
- propranolol
- steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Men with breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer.
- Known hypersensitivity to testosterone, testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Some manufacturers state that testosterone is contraindicated in patients with serious cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease.
- Manufacturers of testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate injections (preparations indicated for the treatment of breast cancer) state that androgens are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Manufacturers of buccal and topical testosterone preparations state that these preparations should not be used in women.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. They will need to check the level of testosterone in your blood.
Regularly check your gums where this medicine is applied. If you find anything unusual, tell your doctor.
Check that this medicine is still in place after you brush your teeth, use mouthwash, eat, or drink.
This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
This drug is banned from use in athletes by most athletic organizations.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- breast cancer
- diabetes
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- lung disease
- prostate cancer, enlargement
- an unusual or allergic reaction to testosterone, soy proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- this drug is not for use in females
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
Sign up with Facebook
