Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Potential Risk of Prostate Cancer

• Patients with BPH treated with androgens are at an increased risk for worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH.
• Patients treated with androgens may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. Evaluation of the patient for prostate cancer prior to initiating and during treatment with androgens is appropriate.
• Increases in serum PSA from baseline values were seen in approximately 18% of individuals in an open label study of 162 hypogonadal men treated with AndroGel for up to 42 months. Most of these increases were seen within the first year of therapy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and Nonclinical Toxicology].

Potential for Secondary Exposure to Testosterone

Secondary exposure to testosterone in children and women can occur with testosterone gel use in men [see Clinical Studies]. Cases of secondary exposure resulting in virilization of children have been reported in postmarketing surveillance. Signs and symptoms have included enlargement of the penis or clitoris, development of pubic hair, increased erections and libido, aggressive behavior, and advanced bone age. In most cases, these signs and symptoms regressed with removal of the exposure to testosterone gel. In a few cases, however, enlarged genitalia did not fully return to age-appropriate normal size, and bone age remained modestly greater than chronological age. The risk of transfer was increased in some of these cases by not adhering to precautions for the appropriate use of testosterone gel.

Inappropriate changes in genital size or development of pubic hair or libido in children, or changes in body hair distribution, significant increase in acne, or other signs of virilization in adult women should be brought to the attention of a physician and the possibility of secondary exposure to testosterone gel should also be brought to the attention of a physician. Testosterone gel should be promptly discontinued until the cause of virilization has been identified.

Testosterone may cause fetal harm in a pregnant woman due to virilization of a female fetus [see Use In Specific Populations].

Strict adherence to the following precautions is advised in order to minimize the potential for secondary exposure to testosterone from AndroGel-treated skin:

• Children and women should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application site(s) of men using testosterone gel.
• AndroGel should only be applied to the shoulders, upper arms, and/or abdomen (area of application should be limited to the area that will be covered by the patient's short sleeve t-shirt).
• Patients should wash their hands immediately with soap and water after applying AndroGel.
• Patients should cover the application site(s) with clothing (e.g., a shirt) after the gel has dried.
• Prior to any situation in which skin-to-skin contact with the application site is anticipated, patients should wash the application site(s) thoroughly with soap and water to remove any testosterone residue.
• In the event that unwashed or unclothed skin to which AndroGel has been applied comes in direct contact with the skin of another person, the general area of contact on the other person should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible. Studies show that residual testosterone is removed from the skin surface by washing with soap and water.

Use in Women

Due to lack of controlled evaluations in women and potential virilizing effects, AndroGel is not indicated for use in women [see Use In Specific Populations].

Potential for Adverse Effects on Spermatogenesis

At large doses of exogenous androgens, Spermatogenesis may be suppressed through feedback inhibition of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which could possibly lead to adverse effects on semen parameters including sperm count.

Hepatic Adverse Effects

Prolonged use of high doses of orally active 17-alpha-alkyl androgens (e.g., methyltestosterone) has been associated with serious hepatic adverse effects (peliosis hepatis, hepatic neoplasms, cholestatic hepatitis, and jaundice). Peliosis hepatis can be a life-threatening or fatal complication. Long-term therapy with intramuscular testosterone enanthate has produced multiple hepatic adenomas. AndroGel is not known to produce these adverse effects.

There are rare reports of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients receiving long-term oral therapy with androgens in high doses. Withdrawal of the drugs did not lead to regression of the tumors in all cases.

Edema

Drugs in the androgen class may promote retention of sodium and water. Edema with or without congestive heart failure may be a serious complication in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia may develop and may persist in patients being treated with androgens, including AndroGel, for hypogonadism.

Sleep Apnea

The treatment of hypogonadal men with testosterone products may potentiate sleep apnea in some patients, especially those with risk factors such as obesity or chronic lung diseases [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Laboratory Tests

• Increases in hematocrit, reflective of increases in red blood cell mass, may require lowering or discontinuation of testosterone. Increase in red blood cell mass may increase the risk for a thromboembolic event.
• Changes in serum lipid profile may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of testosterone therapy.
• Androgens may decrease levels of thyroxin-binding globulin, resulting in decreased total T4 serum levels and increased resin uptake of T3 and T4. Free thyroid hormone levels remain unchanged, however, and there is no clinical evidence of thyroid dysfunction.
• Androgens should be used with caution in cancer patients at risk of hypercalcemia (and associated hypercalciuria). Regular monitoring of serum calcium concentrations is recommended in these patients.

Flammable Until Dry

• Alcohol Based Products including AndroGel are flammable; therefore avoid fire, flame or smoking until the gel has dried.

Patient Counseling Information

See FDA-Approved Medication Guide

Men with known or suspected prostate or breast cancer should not use AndroGel

Potential for Secondary Exposure to Testosterone and Steps to Prevent Secondary Exposure

Secondary exposure to testosterone in children and women can occur with the use of testosterone gel in men. Cases of secondary exposure to testosterone have been reported in children with signs and symptoms including enlargement of the penis or clitoris, premature development of pubic hair, increased erections, and aggressive behavior.

• Physicians should advise patients of the reported signs and symptoms of secondary exposure which may include the following:
  • In children; unexpected sexual development including inappropriate enlargement of the penis or clitoris, premature development of pubic hair, increased erections, and aggressive behavior
  • In women; changes in hair distribution, increase in acne, or other signs of testosterone effects
• The possibility of secondary exposure to testosterone gel should be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider
• Testosterone gel should be promptly discontinued until the cause of virilization is identified

Strict adherence to the following precautions is advised to minimize the potential for secondary exposure to testosterone from testosterone gel in men [see FDA-Approved Medication Guide]:

• Children and women should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application site(s) of men using testosterone gel
• To minimize the potential for transfer to others, patients using AndroGel should apply the product as directed and strictly adhere to the following:
• Wash hands with soap and water after application
• Cover the application site(s) with clothing after the gel has dried
• Wash the application site(s) thoroughly with soap and water prior to any situation where skin-to-skin contact of the application site with another person is anticipated
• In the event that unwashed or unclothed skin to which testosterone gel has been applied comes in contact with the skin of another person, the general area of contact on the other person should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible.

Potential Adverse Reactions with Androgens

Patients should be informed that treatment with androgens may lead to adverse reactions which include:

• Changes in urinary habits such as increased urination at night, trouble starting your urine stream, passing urine many times during the day, having an urge that you have to go to the bathroom right away, having a urine accident, being unable to pass urine and weak urine flow.
• Breathing disturbances, including those associated with sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Too frequent or persistent erections of the penis.
• Nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color, or ankle swelling.

Patients Should Be Advised

• To read the Medication Guide before starting AndroGel therapy and to reread it each time the prescription is renewed
• Of the appropriate application and use of AndroGel to maximize the benefits and to minimize the risk of secondary exposure in children and women
• To keep AndroGel out of the reach of children
• That AndroGel is an alcohol based product and is flammable; therefore avoid fire, flame or smoking until the gel has dried
• Of the importance of adhering to all recommended monitoring
• To report any changes in their state of health, such as changes in urinary habits, breathing, sleep, and mood
• To wait 5 hours before showering or swimming. This will ensure that the greatest amount of AndroGel is absorbed into their system.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Testosterone has been tested by subcutaneous injection and implantation in mice and rats. In mice, the implant induced cervical-uterine tumors, which metastasized in some cases. There is suggestive evidence that injection of testosterone into some strains of female mice increases their susceptibility to hepatoma. Testosterone is also known to increase the number of tumors and decrease the degree of differentiation of chemically induced carcinomas of the liver in rats.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category X: AndroGel is contraindicated during pregnancy or in women who may become pregnant. It is teratogenic and may cause fetal harm [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Exposure of a female fetus to androgens may result in varying degrees of virilization. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.

Nursing Mothers

Although it is not known how much testosterone transfers into human milk, AndroGel is contraindicated in nursing women because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Testosterone and other androgens may adversely affect lactation.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of AndroGel in males < 18 years old has not been established. Improper use may result in acceleration of bone age and premature closure of epiphyses.

Geriatric Use

There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric patients involved in controlled clinical studies utilizing AndroGel to determine whether efficacy in those over 65 years of age differs from younger subjects. Additionally, there is insufficient long-term safety data in geriatric patients to assess the potential risks of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.

Renal or Hepatic Impairment

No formal studies were conducted involving patients with renal or hepatic insufficiencies.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/12/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.