Testosterone is used as a hormone replacement in men to treat various health problems caused by a lack of testosterone.
Apply Testosterone on your skin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not apply more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine may be given in various forms, either as a patch or a gel.
If you have been given a patch, do not apply it on broken skin. Do not cut the patch. The release pattern of the medicine will be affected if you cut the patch. Do not use it for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor.
Instructions for application:
- Remove the patch from the protective foil pouch and peel away half of the liner. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers.
- Apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hairless area. Apply the patch on your stomach, back, thigh, or upper arm. Make sure that the area of skin is not oily, cut, blistered or irritated. The skin should be free of any powder, creams or lotions. If the area of skin is hairy, you should shave the area at least 3 days before you apply the patch. Do not put the patch near the waistline or where your belt or clothes may rub against it.
- Peel away the other half of the liner. Press firmly on the skin for a few seconds to ensure that the patch stays on the skin.
- Apply the patch at around the same time every day.
- Replace the patch every 24 hours. Change the site of application every day to avoid skin irritation. For example, if you put the patch on your right thigh on the first day, put it on your left thigh on the second day, and so on. Do not apply the patch to the same area of skin more than once in 7 days.
- If this patch falls off before noon, apply a new patch to a new area of skin and change the patch at the usual scheduled time. If the patch falls off after noon, do not put on a new one and wait to apply the patch at your usual scheduled time. If the sides of the patch lift up, smooth it down again by rubbing your finger firmly around the edges. Do not tape the patch to your skin.
- Throw away the used patch by folding the sticky sides together, put back in empty pouch, and place it in a rubbish bin. Do not throw it into the toilet bowl. Wash your hands after throwing the used patch.
Only one patch should be applied at any time.
Avoid showering, swimming, or washing the site of application for at least 3 hours after applying the patch.
If you have been given a gel, it is available in a metered-dose pump, tube or sachet:
- If you are using a new pump for the first time, you will need to prime it first before using. To prime the pump, remove the cap and slowly push the pump all the way down 3 times. Do not use the released gel and discard it properly according to your doctor’s instructions to avoid exposure to others.
- If you are using the gel in a packet or tube, tear open the packet or remove the cap of the tube then squeeze all the gel out of the container.
- Apply to a clean, dry and intact area of skin, such as the upper arms or shoulders.
- Spread the prescribed dose over the area of application. Limit the application site to areas which can be covered by your clothing (e.g. short-sleeved t-shirt).
- Wash your hands immediately with soap and water after application.
- Let the gel dry for at least 3-5 minutes before putting on your clothes. Keep the application site covered or clothed to minimise the risk of any contact of the medicine to others.
- Do not wash the site of application or take a shower for at least 2-6 hours after applying the gel.
Avoid fire, flame, or smoking until the gel has dried out.
Make sure you know how to apply your medicine. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
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
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:
- 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
- kidney disease
- liver disease
After application of this medicine, avoid any direct skin-to-skin contact of the application site especially with a woman or a child.
If unwashed clothing or unclothed skin applied with Testostosterone comes in contact with the skin of another person, wash the area of contact of the other person immediately with soap and water.
Do not apply this medicine to your genital area, chest, armpits, knees or back.
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 using 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, acne, back pain, and itching, burning sensation, blistering, rashes or redness of the skin at the application site.
This medicine may decrease your sperm count when used 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 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
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 the patch from excessive heat exposure. Keep the gel away from direct sunlight.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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