SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, hair loss, trouble sleeping, change in sexual desire, redness/swelling of the skin, change in skin color, or acne may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: breast pain/enlargement, swelling of the feet/ankles (edema), weight gain, very slow/shallow/difficult breathing (possibly while sleeping), weakness.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: trouble urinating, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, agitation, hostility), change in size/shape of the testicles, testicle pain/tenderness, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, change in the amount of urine, calf tenderness/swelling/pain.
In patients with diabetes, especially those taking insulin, testosterone may decrease your blood sugar. Be prepared to treat low blood sugar while you are using this medication. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, nervousness, rapid pulse, and sweating. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor.
For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.
Avoid spreading this medication to others (see How to Use and Precautions sections). If your female partner or your children develop any changes in hair location, an increase in acne, or other signs of the effects of testosterone, tell both of your doctors.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using testosterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to soy; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: breast cancer (males), prostate cancer.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, prostate problems (e.g., enlarged prostate or BPH), heart problems, kidney problems, diabetes, high cholesterol level, lung disease, obesity, difficulty breathing during sleep (apnea), high blood pressure, bone cancer.
Direct contact with the application site can spread this medication to others. Protect others from direct skin contact with the application site. This is especially important for women (especially pregnant women) and children. You can use clothing (e.g., long-sleeved shirt) to cover the area, but if you expect to have direct contact with someone else, you should wash the application site with soap and water in advance. Should anyone's skin directly contact the application site, their skin should be washed immediately with soap and water.
If this medication accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse the eyes immediately with clean, warm water. Seek medical attention if necessary.
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Some men, particularly the elderly, are at a higher risk for developing enlarged prostates or prostate cancer while using this medication. Your risk of prostate problems should be checked by your doctor before you start testosterone.
Extreme caution is advised if using this drug in children because it might stunt the growth of the child. Monitor the child's growth rate carefully.
This medication should not be used in women.
Women must avoid direct skin contact with a male's testosterone application site if the woman is pregnant, may be pregnant, or breast-feeding. Testosterone may be absorbed into her bloodstream and cause harm to the unborn/breast-feeding baby. Discuss the risks with your doctor.