Testosterone Patches

What is this medication?

TESTOSTERONE (tes TOS ter one) is used to increase testosterone levels in your body. It belongs to a group of medications called androgen hormones.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Androderm, Testoderm

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Breast cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung disease
• Prostate cancer, enlargement
• An unusual or allergic reaction to testosterone, adhesives, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If a female partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Apply these patches once daily, at the same time every evening. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Open the pouch and remove the patch. Remove the protective liner and silver disk from the patch. If the liner is difficult to pull off or if you see glue sticking to the liner, do NOT use the patch, throw it away and get a new one. Apply to a clean, dry area of intact skin on the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs. Do not apply to a bony area like the hip or shoulder or an area that might receive a lot of pressure while sitting or sleeping. Do not apply to the genitals or scrotum. Remove and replace the patch as directed every 24 hours, applying a new patch to a new site. When you remove a patch, do not place another patch on the same spot for at least 7 days. The patch may be worn during sex, showering, or swimming. Excessive sweating or strenuous exercise might cause the patch to loosen or fall off.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this skin patch has been used in males as young as 15 years of age, precautions may apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. If the patch becomes loose, simply smooth it down again around the edges. If a patch is forgotten or falls off before noon, apply a fresh patch and wear it until you get back on your normal schedule that evening. If a patch is forgotten or falls off in the afternoon or later in the day, do not use a new patch until it is time for your next evening dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Propranolol
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. They will need to check the level of testosterone in your blood.

This medication is only approved for use in men who have low levels of testosterone related to certain medical conditions. Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of this medication. Notify your care team and seek emergency treatment if you develop breathing problems; changes in vision; confusion; chest pain or chest tightness; sudden arm pain; severe, sudden headache; trouble speaking or understanding; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; loss of balance or coordination. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.

This medication is banned from use in athletes by most athletic organizations.

If you are going to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, tell your MRI technician if you have this patch on your body. It must be removed before a MRI.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Increase in blood pressure
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Mood swings, irritability, or hostility
• Prolonged or painful erection
• Sleep apnea—loud snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime sleepiness
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Acne
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Irritation at application site
• Unexpected breast tissue growth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep each patch in its sealed pouch until ready to use. Protect from heat. Do not use a patch that appears to be damaged. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.