Testosterone is used as a hormone replacement in men to treat various health problems caused by a lack of testosterone.
Testosterone injection is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscles, usually into the buttocks).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your condition and response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Testosterone.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- male breast cancer
- prostate cancer
- current or history of liver tumours
- high level of calcium in the blood or urine
- low testosterone levels that are not caused by genes or certain conditions e.g. age-related low testosterone levels
- severe heart disease
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
as Testosterone may not be suitable for you.
This medicine is not indicated for use in women and must not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- mild to moderate heart disease
- high blood pressure
- blood clotting disorder
- diabetes
- enlarged prostate
- migraine
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- sleep apnoea (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
- lung cancer or cancer that has spread to the bones
- depression
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory test (e.g. test for thyroid glands, test to detect performance-enhancing medicines in athletes), inform your doctor that you are being treated with Testosterone.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood testosterone, cholesterol and calcium levels, liver and prostate function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly before and during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs of heart problems and depression may also be needed.
Testosterone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, clogged nose, cough, diarrhoea, stomach pain or discomfort, excessive sweating, muscle pain, weight gain, hair loss, hot flushes, acne, dry skin, and pain, irritation, redness or itching at the injection site.
This medicine may decrease your sperm count when given in large doses. Discuss with your doctor if you are concerned about this side effect.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark coloured urine, swelling in the legs and ankles
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- pain or enlargement of the breast
- signs of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs of prostate enlargement e.g. difficulty passing urine, frequent urination at night
- signs of high blood calcium levels e.g. confusion, weakness, tiredness, constipation, bone pain
- shortness of breath, chest pain, fast heartbeat, coughing up blood; pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- weakness on one side of the body, drooping on one side of the face, difficulty speaking
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, glimepiride
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. prednisone, dexamethasone
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbital
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Testosterone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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