What is AndroGel 5 g/packet (Testosterone)?

Testosterone is a naturally occurring male hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Testosterone topical is used to treat conditions in men that result from a lack of natural testosterone.

Testosterone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking AndroGel 5 g/packet (Testosterone)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to testosterone patches or gels, or if you have prostate cancer or male breast cancer.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a testosterone dose adjustment or special tests:

• diabetes
• sleep apnea or chronic breathing problems
• liver disease or kidney disease; or
• if you are overweight

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication should not be used by a woman. Testosterone can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. A pregnant woman should avoid coming into contact with testosterone topical patches or gels, or with a man’s skin areas where a patch has been worn or the gel has been applied. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water right away.

Older men who use testosterone topical may have an increased risk of prostate enlargement or cancer. If you are over 65, talk with your doctor about your specific risk.

Do not use Androderm on a boy younger than 15 years old. Do not use AndroGel on a boy younger than 18 years old. Testim should not be used on anyone younger than 18 years old.

The testosterone transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.

AndroGel 5 g/packet Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of AndroGel 5 g/packet (Testosterone)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using testosterone topical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• burn-like blistering of the skin where the transdermal patch is worn
• skin irritation with patch-wearing that does not get better with time
• problems with urination
• swelling of your ankles
• frequent, prolonged, or bothersome erections; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Topical testosterone is absorbed through the skin and can cause symptoms of male features in a woman or child who comes into contact with the medication. Call your doctor if your female partner has male-pattern baldness, excessive body hair growth, increased acne, irregular menstrual periods, or any other signs of male characteristics.

Less serious side effects may include:

• redness, itching, burning, or hardened skin where the skin patch is worn
• breast swelling or tenderness
• increased acne or hair growth
• headache, depressed mood; or
• changes in your sex drive

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

AndroGel 5 g/packet Interactions

What other drugs affect AndroGel 5 g/packet (Testosterone)?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• 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 other drugs may interact with testosterone topical. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking AndroGel 5 g/packet (Testosterone)?

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.

AndroGel 5 g/packet Dosage

How should I take AndroGel 5 g/packet (Testosterone)?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Apply the testosterone topical (transdermal) patch to a flat, clean, dry, and undamaged area of skin on your back, stomach, upper arm, or thigh. Wear the patch for 24 hours and then replace it with a new patch. Apply your patch at the same time each evening.

Choose a different skin area to wear each new patch you put on. You should not use the same skin area twice in a 7-day period.

After removing a patch, fold it closed with the sticky side in, and throw it away in a place where pets and children cannot reach it.

Apply the testosterone gel at the same time each day (preferably in the morning) to clean, dry, unbroken skin on the shoulders or upper arms. Open the gel pouch, and squeeze the entire contents onto the palm of your hand. Apply the gel right away and allow it to dry for at least 5 minutes before you dress. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the gel.

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

It is best to cover treated skin areas with clothing while using testosterone gel. This will help prevent getting this medicine on other people. If someone else does come into contact with a treated skin area, they must wash the contact area right away with soap and water.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Your prostate or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Use testosterone topical regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each skin patch in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Do not use a skin patch that has been cut or damaged.

What happens if I overdose on AndroGel 5 g/packet (Testosterone)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What happens if I miss a dose of AndroGel 5 g/packet (Testosterone)?

Apply the gel or skin patch as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to apply your next dose. 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.

Edited from everydayhealth.com