Type of medicine: androgen; male hormone
Generic and brand names: testosterone, transdermal; Androderm
This medicine is a patch used on the skin to replace testosterone (male hormone) in men whose bodies enough of the hormone naturally. This medicine is absorbed through the skin into the body.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not used in women. This medicine is has been reported to cause birth defects. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if it is accidentally absorbed.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Follow your healthcare provider's directions carefully. These patches must be attached to clean, dry skin that is not oily. To avoid burn-like blisters, do not place patches over skin areas that will receive a lot of pressure during sleep or sitting.
Attach the patch to your abdomen, back, thigh, or upper portion of your arm. Do not attach the Androderm patch to the scrotum.
Strenuous exercise or heavy sweating may cause the patch to fall off. You may wear the patch while swimming, showering, or during moderate exercise.
Be certain the patch is firmly in contact with the skin, especially around the edges. If the patch falls off and you wore it:
The best time to apply a new patch is in the late evening. Put the patches on a different area of skin every day. Do not apply to the same place more than once a week.
Follow your healthcare provider's directions carefully about the use of these patches. After wearing a patch for 22 to 24 hours, remove the patch. Fold each used patch so that it sticks to itself with the medicine inside. Dispose of it so that it is safely away from children and pets.
If you forget to apply a patch, apply it as soon as you remember unless it is within 12 hours of the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not apply double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
This medicine should not be used by women, especially women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Serious harm can be done to the unborn baby or to a child who is breast-feeding.
You will need to have lab tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
The patch adhesive can cause mild skin irritation. Talk to your provider about using a steroid cream (not ointment) if this becomes bothersome. Do not use lotion or ointments on your skin before putting on a patch.
This medicine is a controlled substance. It is illegal for you to give it to anyone else.
Rarely, this medicine may cause a painful erection of the penis that will not return to normal. If this occurs, contact your healthcare provider or get medical care right away. It can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if not treated.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or other tests, tell the healthcare provider you are using this medicine. The patch may need to be removed before certain tests or procedures such as MRIs.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Trouble urinating swelling in feet, legs, hands or arms, or any unexplained swelling; erections that happen too often or last longer than 4 hours; painful ejaculation; yellowing of the skin or eyes; fever, weakness or numbness in arm or leg; unusual bleeding or bruising; trouble breathing.
Other: Headache; anxiety; depression; itching, burning, or redness of the skin where the patch was applied; enlarged or tender breasts; acne.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the patch in the original pouch until you use it. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
