Testosterone (Topical application)
Virilization has been reported in children who were secondarily exposed to testosterone gel. Healthcare providers should advise patients to strictly adhere to instructions for use. Children should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed testosterone application sites .
Topical application route(Solution)Virilization has been reported in children who were secondarily exposed to topical testosterone solution. Healthcare providers should advise patients to strictly adhere to instructions for use. Children should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed testosterone application sites .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Androgel
- Axiron
- First-Testosterone
- First-Testosterone MC
- Fortesta
- Testim
- Vogelxo
Available Dosage Forms:
- Gel/Jelly
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Androgen
Uses for testosterone
Testosterone topical gel is used for the treatment of males whose bodies do not make enough natural testosterone, a condition called hypogonadism. Testosterone is a male hormone responsible for the growth and development of the male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics.
Testosterone is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using testosterone
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For testosterone, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to testosterone or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of testosterone topical gel in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of testosterone topical gel in the elderly. However, elderly patients may be at an increased risk for developing heart and blood vessel problems, or prostate problems (including prostate cancer), which may require caution in patients receiving testosterone.
Breastfeeding
Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using testosterone.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking testosterone, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using testosterone with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medici
