Testosterone

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using testosterone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

There are many testosterone products available for use on the skin. They may have different amounts of testosterone and may not have the same effects. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product. Do not change products without asking your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply to a dry, clean area of skin on the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs. Do not apply the patch to skin that has been treated with a topical ointment because doing so may decrease the amount of testosterone that your body will absorb.

The patch site must not be oily or irritated. Do not place on the scrotum or on bony areas such as the shoulders or hips.

To use the patch, remove the protective backing to expose the sticky surface. Immediately place the patch with the sticky side down on clean, dry skin as directed by your doctor, usually once nightly. Wear the patch for 24 hours, then replace it with a new patch. Be sure to apply the patches to a different area each day. Wait 7 days before applying a patch to the same area of skin.

The patch may be worn during sex. Wait at least 3 hours after application before showering, swimming, or other contact with water. Heavy exercise or sweating may loosen the patch or make it fall off. If the patch comes loose, press around the edges of the patch to secure it in place. If the patch falls off, see Missed Dose section.

To discard a patch, fold it so the adhesive side is on the inside. Place the folded patch in the pouch from which the new patch is taken and discard it in the trash.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each night.

Misuse or abuse of testosterone can cause serious side effects such as heart disease (including heart attack), stroke, liver disease, mental/mood problems, abnormal drug-seeking behavior, or improper bone growth (in adolescents). Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. When testosterone is misused or abused, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, irritability, tiredness) when you suddenly stop using the drug. These symptoms may last from weeks to months.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.