Testosterone Gel

What is testosterone gel for?

Testosterone is used to treat testosterone deficiency in male. It contains testosterone, a male hormone produced naturally in the body.

How should I take or use testosterone gel?

• Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Apply once daily at about the same time, preferably in the morning. The daily dose should be adjusted and prescribed by the doctor.
• The patient himself should administer the medication onto clean, dry, healthy skin over shoulder, arm or abdomen. Do not apply to genital area (penis and testes) as the high alcohol content may cause local irritation.
• After opening the sachet, the entire content should be taken out of the sachet and applied immediately on the skin. Allow the gel to dry for at least 3-5 minutes before dressing. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying.
• You should preferably wait for at least 6 hours between applying the gel and taking a bath, swimming or washing the applied area.

What should I do if I forget to take or use testosterone gel?

If you forget to apply a dose, skip the missed dose and do not apply a double dose to make it up for the forgotten individual dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using testosterone gel?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You have prostate or breast cancer.
• You have history of:
• Liver or kidney problems
• Heart conditions
• Uncontrolled blood pressure
• Clotting disorders
• Epilepsy (fits)
• Migraine
• Benign prostate hyperplasia (enlargement of prostate)
• Sleep apnea (a sleep disorder)
• Diabetes
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

Pregnant women must avoid any contact with the applied area or the gel as the medication may cause the development of unwanted male characteristics in the developing baby. In the event of a contact, wash the area of contact as soon as possible with soap and water.

Testosterone may be transferred to another person during close and prolonged skin contact with the gel application area if no precaution is taken.

Your partner may show signs of increased testosterone such as more hair growth on the face and body, a deepened voice and changes in the menstrual cycle if contact is made multiple times or for prolonged period. Do seek medical advice from your doctor if this happens.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use testosterone gel?

Inform your doctor if you are taking oral anticoagulant (e.g. warfarin), corticosteroids, insulin or other anti-diabetic medications.

What are some common side effects of testosterone gel?

• Reaction at the application area (e.g. redness of the skin, acne, dry skin)
• Enlargement of the breast
• Headache
• Hair loss
• Tingling sensation

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store testosterone gel?

• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• Keep this medication away from pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children

How do I throw away testosterone gel safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.