GENERIC NAME: TESTOSTERONE GEL - TOPICAL (tess-TOSS-ter-own)
BRAND NAME(S): Androgel, Testim
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Testosterone gel is used to treat men with conditions of low testosterone hormone levels (e.g., hypogonadism). This drug should not be used in women.
HOW TO USE: This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it and follow the directions carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Apply the medication as directed to the clean, dry skin of the shoulders or upper arms once daily in the morning; or use as directed by your doctor. Certain brands of this medication may also be applied to the lower stomach (abdomen). Check your patient information leaflet or ask your pharmacist if your brand may be applied to the lower stomach (abdomen). Avoid applying gel to skin with open sores or to broken, irritated skin. Do not apply this medication to the genitals (penis or scrotum). Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying this medication to reduce the possibility of spreading the medicine from your hands to other people. This medication should be dry on the skin before getting dressed. Wait 5 to 6 hours after applying the gel before you shower or swim. This medication is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, or smoking until the gel has dried.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, headache, hair loss, change in sexual drive, or redness/swelling/change in color of the skin, or acne may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling (edema), trouble breathing (including very slow or shallow breathing and trouble breathing while sleeping), trouble urinating, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, breast pain or enlargement, weight gain, change in size or shape of the testicles. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: low blood sugar (symptoms such as shakiness, nervousness, rapid pulse, sweating). If you experience a painful or prolonged erection (lasting longer than 4 hours), stop using testosterone and seek immediate medical attention. Permanent impotence could result if the condition is not treated promptly. Tell your doctor if your female partner develops any changes in hair location, an increase in acne, or other signs of masculinity. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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