Testosterone (Injection)

Testosterone (tes-TOS-te-rone)

Treats a lack testosterone when your body does not produce enough of its own natural testosterone. Is also used to treat certain kinds of breast cancer in women.Testosterone is a male hormone.

Brand Name(s):

Testro AQ
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to testosterone. Men should not take testosterone if they have breast cancer or prostate cancer. Women should not take testosterone if they are pregnant or may become pregnant

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (thigh or buttocks).
• This medicine should be given by a nurse or other caregiver trained to give IM shots. Sometimes you, a family member, or a friend can be taught to give your medicine
• If you have your shots at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the medicine at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• If the medicine gets too cold, crystals may form in the liquid. To warm the liquid, roll the syringe back and forth between the palms of your hands. If the medicine is still in the vial, warm it in your hand and shake the vial to dissolve the crystals.
• Before you have your shot, look at the medicine. The liquid should be clear.

If a dose is missed:

• Give the shot as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• You should not use the medicine if it changes color or has lumps, solid pieces, or specks in it.
• If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles and syringes. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
• Do not share your needles, syringes, or medicine with anyone else.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking blood thinners (such as Coumadin®) or medicine to treat diabetes.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate, high cholesterol, high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
• For women and girls: tell your doctor if you have any male-like changes such as deepening of your voice, hair growth on your face, or growth in the size of sex organs.
• For men and boys: tell your doctor if you have erections too often or that last too long or acne.
• This medicine may slow growth in children. Your doctor may need to x-ray your child's bones about every 6 months.
• Talk with your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
• You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with testosterone, tell your doctor right away. This medicine may be harmful or cause birth defects in an unborn baby if taken during a pregnancy.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Dark-colored urine, light-colored bowel movements
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Swelling in feet or ankles

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Swollen breasts (in men)
• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Bloated feeling
• Changes in sexual desire
• Changes in menstrual periods

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.