Examples
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| testosterone | Androderm, AndroGel, Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone |
Testosterone can be given as a shot in the muscle, usually every 2 to 3 weeks.
Testosterone can also be given as a patch that is placed on the skin and changed every day. Or it can be used as a gel that is applied daily to the skin.
How It Works
Men who have low naturally occurring
testosterone take testosterone medicine to bring their levels back to normal.
This slows bone thinning and reduces calcium loss.
Why It Is Used
Testosterone is used to prevent
osteoporosis in men who have low testosterone levels.
Testosterone is not used to prevent or treat osteoporosis in women.
How Well It Works
Testosterone may improve bone
thickness, especially in the bones of the spine (vertebrae), but the evidence
is not clear.1
Many men with low
testosterone levels report that they feel better and have increased energy
while taking testosterone.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Hives.
- Blisters, itching, or redness on the skin under a testosterone patch.
- Breast soreness or enlargement.
- An erection that lasts longer than 3 hours or is painful.
- Trouble urinating.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
When using testosterone products on your skin, make sure you follow all of the instructions that come with the medicine.
Many other supplements may
interact with testosterone. For example, testosterone should not be used
if you are taking the supplement dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is a human
steroid hormone that decreases as a person ages. It frequently is advertised as a
"rejuvenation" supplement. DHEA may increase testosterone levels, and combining it with other testosterone therapy may cause
problems with blood clot formation or
other serious health problems. Be sure to tell your doctor about any
nonprescription medicines, supplements, or herbs you are taking.
Some experts are concerned that testosterone could increase the risk of prostate cancer. Your doctor may recommend regular exams and blood tests to check for problems.
Testosterone
should not be taken by men who have prostate cancer.
Testosterone can affect your fertility. If you are trying to have a child, you may want to ask your doctor about how
this medicine can affect your chances of conceiving.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Ebeling P (2008). Osteoporosis in men. New England Journal of Medicine, 358(14):
1474–1482.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine |
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| Last Revised | November 6, 2012 |
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