testosterone oral
What is the most important information I should know about testosterone?
You should not be treated with testosterone if you have prostate cancer, male breast cancer, or low testosterone levels due to getting older.
Testosterone can increase your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. You may need to stop using testosterone or start taking blood pressure medication.
Testosterone should not be used to enhance athletic performance.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is used as hormone replacement therapy in adult men with certain medical conditions that cause low or no testosterone levels.
Testosterone will not enhance athletic performance and should not be used for that purpose.
Testosterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking testosterone?
You should not take testosterone if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- low testosterone levels due to getting older;
- known or suspected prostate cancer; or
- male breast cancer.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- high blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
- urination problems due to an enlarged prostate;
- depression, anxiety, a mood disorder, suicidal thoughts or actions;
- cancer;
- high red blood cell count (hematocrit) or high hemoglobin levels on a blood test; or
- liver or kidney disease.
Testosterone is not approved for use in women.
It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this medicine.
Using testosterone may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.
How should I take testosterone?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your doctor will perform tests to make sure testosterone is the right treatment for you.
Testosterone is usually taken by mouth twice per day, 1 time in the morning and 1 time in the evening.
Take with food.
You will need frequent blood tests and your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your next dose may be delayed based on the results.
Do not keep leftover medicine. Just one dose can cause death in someone using it accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program.
Testosterone may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction or death. Keep the medication where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking testosterone?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of testosterone?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Testosterone can increase your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. You may need to stop using testosterone or start taking blood pressure medication.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- pain or swelling in your breasts;
- sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
- unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or actions;
- heart problems --swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
- liver problems --loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- signs of a blood clot in the lung --chest pain, sudden cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
- signs of a blood clot deep in the body --pain, swelling or warmth in your leg; or
- signs of an enlarged prostate --increased urination, a weak stream of urine, an urgent need to urinate, or loss of bladder control.
Common side effects may include:
- increased red blood cell counts;
- an enlarged prostate;
- erections that are more frequent or that last longer than usual;
- increased blood pressure;
- nausea, heartburn, burping;
- diarrhea;
- headache;
- swelling in your lower legs;
- joint, muscle or back pain;
- cold symptoms;
- breast swelling; or
- weight gain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect testosterone?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- insulin;
- medicine to treat pain, cough, or cold symptoms;
- a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran; or
- steroid medicine --prednisone, dexamethasone, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect testosterone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about testosterone.
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.
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