MedicineNet.com

USES: This medicated gel contains testosterone. It is used for hormone replacement in men who are not able to produce enough testosterone (e.g., hypogonadism). This medication is absorbed through the skin, enters your bloodstream, and helps your body reach normal testosterone levels.Testosterone helps the body to produce sperm and to develop and maintain the male sexual characteristics (masculinity), such as a deep voice and body hair. It also helps to maintain muscle and prevent bone loss, and is necessary for natural sexual ability/desire.This drug should not be used by women.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using testosterone gel and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Apply the medication as directed to clean, dry skin of the shoulders/upper arms and/or abdomen once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. Apply only to areas that would be covered if you were to wear a short sleeve t-shirt. Avoid applying this medication to broken, irritated skin. Do not apply to the genitals (penis or scrotum). Do not let others apply this medication to your body.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.After applying this medication, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of accidentally spreading it from your hands to other people. Before dressing, wait a few minutes for the application site to dry completely. Be sure to always wear clothing (such as a t-shirt) to cover the application site until you wash the areas well with soap and water.If you expect to have skin-to-skin contact with another person, first wash the application area well with soap and water. To get the best effect, wait at least 2 to 6 hours before showering. If you are unsure how long to wait, check the manufacturer's information or ask your pharmacist. See also Warning and Precautions sections.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.This medication is flammable until dry. Let the gel dry before smoking or going near an open flame.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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.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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 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.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.