androgel 5 alpha reductase
testosterone topical (patches and gel) (tess TOSS ter own TAH pih cal)
Androderm, AndroGel, Testim, Testoderm
What is the most important information I should know about AndroGel?
• Notify your doctor if you experience nausea; vomiting; swelling of theankles; changes in skin color; too frequent or prolonged erections; breathingdisturbances, including those associated with sleep; or yellowing of the skinor eyes androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Notify your doctor if a female partner experiences male-pattern baldness,excessive body hair growth, an increase in acne, menstrual irregularities, orsigns of masculinity androgel 5 alpha reductase.
What is AndroGel?
• Testosterone is a naturally occurring "male" sex hormone necessaryfor many processes in the body androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• AndroGel is used to treat men for conditions that result from a lackof natural testosterone androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• AndroGel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide androgel 5 alpha reductase.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using AndroGel?
• Do not use AndroGel if you have cancer of the breast or prostate androgel 5 alpha reductase. Testosteronemay worsen some cancers of these types androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Before using AndroGel, tell your doctor if you have
· diabetes;
· sleep apnea or if you have risk factors for sleep apnea (e.g., obesity,chronic lung disease);
· heart disease; or
· liver disease or kidney disease androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• You may not be able to use AndroGel, or you may need a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• AndroGel is not approved for use by women and must not be used by women androgel 5 alpha reductase. AndroGel is in the FDA pregnancy category X androgel 5 alpha reductase. This means that AndroGel is knownto cause birth defects in an unborn baby androgel 5 alpha reductase. Pregnant women should avoid skin contactwith the AndroGel application site in men androgel 5 alpha reductase. If unwashed or unclothed skin towhich AndroGel has been applied comes in contact with the skin of a pregnantwoman, wash the general area of contact on the woman with soap and water assoon as possible androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Men over 65 years of age that use AndroGel may be at increased risk forthe development of prostatic enlargement or cancer androgel 5 alpha reductase. You may not be able to usetopical testosterone, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring androgel 5 alpha reductase.
How should I use AndroGel?
• Use AndroGel exactly as directed by your doctor androgel 5 alpha reductase. If you do not understandthese directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• To use testosterone topical scrotal patches:
· Testoderm patches should be applied to clean, dry scrotal skin androgel 5 alpha reductase. Thescrotal hair should be dry-shaved before a patch is applied androgel 5 alpha reductase. Do not use chemicalhair removers to remove scrotal hair androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· Each patch should be worn for 22 to 24 hours androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· Apply a new patch every 24 hours androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· Scrotal patches should be removed during bathing, showering, or swimmingand may be reapplied following these activities androgel 5 alpha reductase. Patch removal is optional duringintercourse androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· If a Testoderm patch falls off, try to reapply it androgel 5 alpha reductase. If it comes offafter being worn for more than 12 hours and it cannot be reapplied, wait untilthe next scheduled application time to apply a new system androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• To use testosterone topical patches (non-scrotal):
· Androderm patches can be applied to clean, dry skin on the back, abdomen,upper arms, or thighs androgel 5 alpha reductase. Testoderm TTS patches can be applied to the arms , back,or upper buttocks androgel 5 alpha reductase. Do not apply these patches to the scrotum, any bony partof the body (hip bone, outer thigh bone, shoulder bone), or to an area thatwill be under prolonged pressure during sleep or sitting androgel 5 alpha reductase. Apply the patch toskin that is not oily, damaged, or irritated androgel 5 alpha reductase. For Androderm patches, the siteof application should be different, with a 7 day period between applicationsto the same site androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· Androderm and Testoderm TTS patches should be worn for 24 hours androgel 5 alpha reductase. Androdermpatches should be applied at the same time each evening androgel 5 alpha reductase. Testoderm TTS patchesshould be applied at the same time daily, either during the day or night androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· It usually is not necessary to remove patches of this type during sexualintercourse or when showering or bathing androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· If an Androderm patch falls off, try to reapply it androgel 5 alpha reductase. If it cannot bereapplied and it is before noon, apply a new patch; if it is after noon, waituntil the evening and apply a new patch at the regularly scheduled time androgel 5 alpha reductase. Ifa Testoderm TTS patch falls off, try to reapply it androgel 5 alpha reductase. If it comes off after beingworn for more than 12 hours and it cannot be reapplied, wait until the nextscheduled application time to apply a new system androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• To use the testosterone topical gel:
· Apply the gel once daily (preferably in the morning) to clean, dry,unbroken skin on the shoulders or upper arms androgel 5 alpha reductase. The AndroGel can also be appliedto the abdomen androgel 5 alpha reductase. Do not apply Testim gel to the abdomen androgel 5 alpha reductase. After opening a pouch,squeeze the entire contents into the palm of your hand and immediately applyit to the application site androgel 5 alpha reductase. Allow the gel to dry for a few minutes before dressing androgel 5 alpha reductase. Wash your hands with soap and water after the gel has been applied androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· Cover the application site with clothing after the gel has dried toprevent transfer of testosterone to another person androgel 5 alpha reductase. If direct skin-to-skin contactwith another person is anticipated, the application site must be washed thoroughlywith soap and water before that encounter androgel 5 alpha reductase. If there is accidental transfer oftestosterone to the skin of another person, wash the general area of contacton the other person with soap and water as soon as possible androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· Wait at least 5 or 6 hours after application of AndroGel, or 2 hoursafter application of Testim, before showering or swimming androgel 5 alpha reductase. However, showeringor swimming 1 hour after application of either testosterone topical productshould have a minimal effect on the amount of testosterone absorbed if doneinfrequently androgel 5 alpha reductase.
· Do not apply the gel to the scrotum or genitals or to skin that hasopen sores, wounds, or irritation androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Your doctor may want to perform tests to monitor the amount of testosteronein the body, liver function, prostate function, or other factors during treatmentwith AndroGel androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• It is important to use AndroGel regularly to get the most benefit androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Dispose of all used patches and aluminum foil packets properly, out ofthe reach of children and pets androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Store AndroGel at room temperature away from moisture and heat androgel 5 alpha reductase. Patchesshould not be stored outside the pouch provided androgel 5 alpha reductase. Damaged patches should notbe used androgel 5 alpha reductase.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Apply the next patch or gel packet as soon as you remember androgel 5 alpha reductase. Do not usetwo doses simultaneously, unless otherwise directed by your doctor androgel 5 alpha reductase.
What happens if I overdose?
• An overdose of AndroGel is unlikely to occur and is not likely to threatenlife androgel 5 alpha reductase. If you do suspect an overdose, or if a patch or the gel has been ingested,call an emergency room or poison control center for advice androgel 5 alpha reductase.
What should I avoid while using AndroGel?
• Avoid transfer of AndroGel gel to another person androgel 5 alpha reductase. Wash your hands afterapplication of the gel and cover the application site with clothing after thegel has dried androgel 5 alpha reductase. If direct skin-to-skin contact with another person is anticipated,the application sites must be washed thoroughly with soap and water before thatencounter androgel 5 alpha reductase. If another person accidentally contacts the gel or treated area,the exposed individual should wash with soap and water androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Wait at least 5 or 6 hours after application of AndroGel before showeringor swimming androgel 5 alpha reductase. However, showering or swimming 1 hour after application shouldhave a minimal effect on the amount of testosterone absorbed if done infrequently androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Testosterone patches applied to the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighsdo not usually need to be removed during sexual intercourse or when showeringor bathing androgel 5 alpha reductase. Scrotal testosterone patches should be removed during bathing, showering,or swimming and may be reapplied following these activities androgel 5 alpha reductase. Removal of a scrotalpatch is optional during intercourse androgel 5 alpha reductase.
What are the possible side effects of AndroGel?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop usingAndroGel and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· nausea or vomiting;
· changes in skin color;
· swelling of the ankles;
· breathing disturbances, including those associated with sleep;
· too frequent or prolonged erections; or
· liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal painor discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, or severe fatigue) androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur androgel 5 alpha reductase. Continueto use AndroGel and talk to your doctor if you experience
· itching, discomfort, redness, or irritation at the patch applicationsite;
· emotional changes;
· increased blood pressure;
· decreased interest in sex;
· changes in blood cholesterol or number of red blood cells (detectedby blood tests);
· prostate changes or difficulty urinating;
· enlarged, swollen or tender breasts; or
· acne androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Notify your doctor if a female partner experiences male-pattern baldness,excessive body hair growth, an increase in acne, menstrual irregularities, orsigns of masculinity androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur androgel 5 alpha reductase. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome androgel 5 alpha reductase.
What other drugs will affect AndroGel?
• Before using AndroGel, tell your doctor if you are taking any of thefollowing medicines:
· warfarin (Coumadin);
· insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol),glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), repaglinide (Prandin), rosiglitazone(Avandia), pioglitazone (Actos), and others;
· propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA, others); or
· a corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone, Solu-Cortef),dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol others), methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol,Medrol, Solu-Medrol), prednisolone (Prelone Pediapred), prednisone (Deltasone,Orasone, others), and others androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• You may not be able to use AndroGel, or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicineslisted above androgel 5 alpha reductase.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with AndroGel androgel 5 alpha reductase. Talkto your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products androgel 5 alpha reductase.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about AndroGel written forhealth professionals that you may read androgel 5 alpha reductase.
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