Type of medicine: androgen; male hormone
Generic and brand names: testosterone gel, topical; AndroGel 1%; Fortesta; Testim Gel 1%
This medicine is applied to the skin when more testosterone (male hormone) is needed to treat various conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Men should not use this medicine if they have breast cancer or prostate cancer.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine MUST NOT be used by pregnant women or those who are breast-feeding because it may harm the baby. Avoid contact with this medicine.
Read and follow the instruction sheet that comes in the medicine package.
Squeeze the contents of one packet or tube into the palm of your hand. If you are using the pump, you need to prime the pump before using it for the first time. If you have AndroGel or Testim, put the gel on clean, dry, unbroken skin on your upper arms or shoulders. If you have Fortesta, put the gel on the front and inner part of your thighs. Do not put the gel on any other parts of your body.
Do not apply the gel to your sex organs or abdomen.
Allow the treated areas to dry before you get dressed. Use the gel once each day. It is best to use it in the morning.
Wash your hands with lots of soap and water after applying this medicine.
After applying AndroGel, wait 5 hours before showering, bathing, or swimming. After applying Testim or Fortesta, wait at least 2 hours before showering, bathing, or swimming, If you take a bath or shower in the morning, apply the medicine after your bath or shower.
This medicine is flammable. Do not apply the medicine near high heat or open flames. If you smoke, do not smoke until the medicine is completely dry. Dispose of the empty packet or tube safely away from children or pets.
If you miss a dose, 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.
Women and children must not use this medicine.
This medicine can cause side effects in a child or woman who touches the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if a woman or child gets a bad case of acne. Also, tell your provider if hair starts to grow in odd places such as on the chest or back, or the woman or child has any other side effects after skin contact with this medicine.
Pregnant women must avoid skin contact with this medicine. It can harm the infant. If a pregnant woman does come in contact with the gel in any way, wash the area with lots of soap and water.
To protect others from skin to skin contact with this medicine, cover the area where you apply it with clothing. If another person comes in contact with this medicine, wash the area with lots of soap and water as soon as possible.
This medicine may:
You may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
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 dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
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): Too frequent erections or erections that last more than 4 hours; trouble urinating; unexplained nausea or vomiting; changes in skin color; yellowish eyes or skin; dark urine; light bowel movements; pain or swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles; tender or enlarged breasts; breathing problems, especially while sleeping; loss of appetite; dizziness; fainting.
Other: Anxiety, mood swings, abnormal dreams, discolored hair, dry skin, acne, sweating, change in sense of taste, headache, redness or irritation where you apply the medicine.
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. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Dispose of empty packets and tubes safely away from children and pets.
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.
