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In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving testosterone injection?

You should not receive this medication if you have:

• prostate cancer;
• male breast cancer;
• if you are pregnant; or
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a hormone treatment.

Before receiving testosterone injection, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH);
• any type of cancer;
• high cholesterol;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• heart disease, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), congestive heart failure, or a history of heart attack.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use testosterone injection.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not receive testosterone injection if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medication.

It is not known whether testosterone injection passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is testosterone injection given?

Testosterone injection is given as an shot into a muscle of your buttocks. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. Testosterone injection is usually given every 2 to 4 weeks.

The number of months you need to use testosterone injection will depend on the condition being treated.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Testosterone injection can affect bone growth in boys who are treated for delayed puberty. Bone development may need to be checked with x-rays every 6 months during treatment.