Androgel Special Precautions

Before starting treatment, the doctor will perform a full examination. The doctor will need to take blood samples on 2 visits to measure the levels of testosterone before the patient is given ANDROGEL. The patient will have regular check-ups (at least once a year) during treatment.
Testosterone may be transferred to another person during close and relatively prolonged skin contact with the gel application area if no precaution is taken. This could cause the patient's partner to show signs of increased testosterone such as more hair on the face and body and a deepened voice, if contact is made a number of times or for long periods of time.
This may also cause changes in the menstrual cycle of women. Wearing clothes covering the application area or showering before contact allows such transfer to be avoided.
As a result, the following precautions are recommended: wash hands with soap and water after applying the gel; cover the application area with clothing once the gel has dried; take a shower before intimate contact.
For people not being treated with ANDROGEL: in the event of contact with the application area, wash the area of skin onto which testosterone may have been transferred immediately with soap and water; report the development of signs such as acne or changes in the growth or pattern of hair on the body or face to the general practitioner.
Children and women should avoid contact with testosterone application sites on the skin of men who use this product.
The patient should preferably wait at least 6 hours between applying the gel and taking a bath or shower. A bath or shower may occasionally be taken between 1 and 6 hours after applying the gel and should not significantly change the effects of the treatment.
To make sure the patient's partner is not put at risk of receiving testosterone by accident, the patient should leave a long period of time between applying ANDROGEL and having sex. The patient should also either wear a T-shirt during the time when he is in close contact with his partner to cover the area where ANDROGEL has been applied, or have a shower or bath before starting having sexual intercourse.
The patient should also wear a T-shirt covering where ANDROGEL has been applied when he is going to be in close contact with children. This is to avoid any of ANDROGEL being passed onto the children's skin.
Laboratory test interactions: Androgens may decrease levels of thyroxin-binding globulin, resulting in decreased T₄ serum concentrations and in increased resin uptake of T₃ and T₄. Free thyroid hormone levels, however, remain unchanged and there is no clinical evidence of thyroid insufficiency.
Sportsmen and women: The attention of sportsmen and women is drawn to the fact that ANDROGEL contains an active substance (testosterone) which may produce a positive reaction in antidoping tests.
Driving or using machines: Not applicable.