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In this Article

• What is testosterone topical (AndroGel)?
• What are the possible side effects of testosterone topical?
• What is the most important information I should know about testosterone topical?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using testosterone topical?
• How should I use testosterone topical?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using testosterone topical?
• What other drugs will affect testosterone topical?
• Where can I get more information?

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?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of testosterone topical applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using testosterone topical?

Do not apply AndroGel or Testim testosterone gel to your penis or your scrotum. Testim testosterone gel should also not be applied to your stomach area.

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.

Testosterone gel may be flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

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.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with 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 can provide more information about testosterone topical.

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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