Why it is Prescribed
Testosterone transdermal patches are used to treat the symptoms of low testosterone in men who do not produce enough natural testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone that is usually produced by the body that contributes to the growth, development, and functioning of the male sexual organs and typical male characteristics. Symptoms of low testosterone include decreased sexual desire and ability, extreme tiredness, low energy, depression, and loss of certain male characteristics such as muscular build and deep voice. Testosterone patches work by supplying synthetic testosterone to replace testosterone that is normally produced naturally.
How it Works
Transdermal testosterone comes as a patch to apply to the skin. It is usually applied once daily, ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Testosterone transdermal patches are used to treat the symptoms of low testosterone in men who do not produce enough natural testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone that is usually produced by the body that contributes to the growth, development, and functioning of the male sexual organs and typical male characteristics. Symptoms of low testosterone include decreased sexual desire and ability, extreme tiredness, low energy, depression, and loss of certain male characteristics such as muscular build and deep voice. Testosterone patches work by supplying synthetic testosterone to replace testosterone that is normally produced naturally.
How it Works
Transdermal testosterone comes as a patch to apply to the skin. It is usually applied once daily, and the schedule depends on the type of patch. Androderm patches are applied each night between 8 pm and midnight and left on for 24 hours. Testoderm patches are applied at the same time every morning (or any other regular time of day or night if the morning is inconvenient) and left on for 22-24 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use testosterone patches exactly as directed. Do not apply more or fewer patches or apply the patches more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Androderm and Testoderm brand patches both contain testosterone, but they are manufactured differently and are intended for use on different parts of the body. Be sure you ...
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Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
If you wear too many patches, or wear patches for too long, too much testosterone may be absorbed into your bloodstream. In that case, you may experience symptoms of an overdose.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Precautions
Before using testosterone patches,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to testosterone, ethanol, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); insulin (Humalin, Humalog, Novolin, others); oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); and propranolol (Inderal). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have a family history of prostate cancer, if you smoke or work with heavy metals such as cadmium and if you ...
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Possible Side Effects
Transdermal testosterone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
itching, pain, or irritation of scrotum if you are using Testoderm patches
burn-like blisters, pain, redness, hardness, or itching in the place you applied Androderm patches
enlarged or tender breasts
acne
depression
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Special Dietary Concerns
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Use patches immediately after opening the protective pouch. Androderm patches may burst if exposed to extreme heat or pressure. Do not use damaged patches. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
