What is Testosterone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take this medicine as instructed by the prescriber. Do not use more than prescribed or more often than prescribed.

Please read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use that come with this medicine.

Apply this medicine at the same time every day in the morning unless the prescriber gives different instructions.

How to administer testosterone topical gel:

• Topical gel doses are measured by pump actuations, single-dose tubes, or single-dose packets. Make sure you understand how many actuations, tubes, or packets you need to use.

• If using a pump, the pump must be primed before using it the first time. See the Instructions for Use.

• The prescriber or instructions will tell you what part of the body you can apply the gel to. Most gels are applied to the shoulders, upper arms, or thighs, but instructions may vary.

• Before applying the gel, make sure the skin is clean and dry. Do not apply testosterone gel to broken or cut skin.

• If using a pump, then squeeze the dose into the palm of the hand or on the application site.

• If using packets, open the packet and squeeze everything in the packet into the palm of your hand or on the application site.

• Apply the gel on the application site.

• When finished, immediately wash your hands with soap and water.

• Let the skin completely dry before putting any clothing over the application site. 

• Do not shower, bathe, or swim for the next two hours.

• Do not allow anyone else to touch the skin with the testosterone gel.

• Store testosterone gel at room temperature, ideally between 68ºF to 77ºF. Keep the gel away from fire.

How to administer testosterone topical solution:

• This medicine comes only as a pump-actuated metered dose bottle.

• The pump will need to be primed before the first use. Read the Instructions for Use on how to prime the pump.

• Doses are applied under the arms only.

• Before applying the solution, make sure the skin is clean and dry. Do not apply testosterone solution to broken or cut skin.

• If you use antiperspirant or deodorant, apply it at least two minutes before you apply the testosterone solution.

• Do not apply the solution with your fingers or hands.

• The medicine is pumped into an applicator. Use the applicator to apply the solution to the underarms.

• Do not rub the solution with your fingers or hand.

• Rinse the applicator cup with water, pat it dry with a tissue, and put it back on the bottle. 

• Allow the solution to dry for at least three minutes before putting any clothing over the area.

• Do not shower, bathe, or swim for at least two hours.

• Do not allow anyone else to touch the treated skin.

• Store testosterone gel at room temperature (between 68ºF and 77ºF) away from fire.

How to administer testosterone nasal gel:

• Nasal gel is applied inside the nostrils only. Do not apply it to any other part of the body.

• Do not apply the gel with your hands. If any gel gets on your hands, wash them immediately with soap and water.

• Prime the pump the first time you use this medicine. Follow the instructions in the Instructions for Use included with the medicine.

• Before applying the dose, gently blow your nose to clear both nostrils.

• Insert the tip of the pump into your left nostril and gently tilt it so that it touches the side of your nose. 

• Slowly press the pump until it stops and then remove the tip from the nostril.

• Repeat this process in the right nostril.

• Wipe the tip of the pump with a clean, dry tissue and replace the cap. 

• Press your nostrils together and lightly rub them with your fingertips.

• Do not blow your nose or sniff for one hour after a dose has been applied.

• Store testosterone nasal gel at room temperature.

How to manage testosterone implants (pellets):

• A healthcare professional will place the pellet under the skin during an in-office procedure using a local anesthetic. The pellet is usually placed under the skin in the lower abdomen or the upper outer buttocks.

• After the procedure, you can apply ice or a cold pack to the insertion site to control swelling.

• The dressing can be taken off after two days or as otherwise instructed by the doctor.

• The pellet will slowly dissolve over the next several months.

• Notify the physician if the pellet becomes dislodged or completely comes out of the body.

Take a missed dose as soon as you can unless it is almost time for the next dose.

In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its regular time.

Testosterone doses are usually taken once per day in the morning. If a dose is missed and it’s the next day, skip the missed dose.

Do not take extra testosterone to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to testosterone or have breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Testosterone is never used in pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant, or women who are breastfeeding.

The most important warning concerning topical testosterone is to prevent accidental exposure:

• Do not let anyone—especially women or children—touch or come in contact with skin that has been treated with topical testosterone.

• Children who are exposed to testosterone could develop signs of early puberty or start showing behavior problems.

• Women who are exposed to testosterone could experience unwanted hair growth or acne.

• Testosterone can harm an unborn baby if a pregnant woman is exposed to the drug.

• If another person comes in contact with treated skin, they should immediately clean the contact area with soap and water.

• The FDA recommends that men immediately stop using testosterone if other people are exposed to the drug and start showing symptoms.

• To prevent accidental exposure, only put topical testosterone on skin that can be covered most of the time.

• Always keep the treated skin covered.

• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water after applying the medicine.

• If there’s a possibility someone will come in contact with treated skin, clean the area with soap and water to remove the drug.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking testosterone. The drug can affect important lab tests such as thyroid tests or liver function tests.

Your doctor will need regular visits and lab tests to check testosterone levels, adjust the dose, and spot potentially hazardous side effects. Keep all appointments.

Before taking testosterone, tell your prescriber about all your medical conditions, especially:

• Breast cancer

• Prostate cancer

• Enlarged prostate

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Sleep apnea

• High blood pressure

• Seizures, migraines, or bone cancer (testosterone pellets)

This medicine may cause the following problems:

• Increased risk of prostate cancer

• Worsening of enlarged prostate

• Blood clot problems

• Liver problems

• Increased blood pressure

• High fat levels

• High calcium

• Lower thyroid hormone levels

• Development of female breasts

• Lower sperm counts

• Possible increased risk of heart attack or stroke

Testosterone is not FDA approved for use in women, though other testosterone formulations are.

Tell the prescriber about all the medications, supplements, and herbal remedies being taken, especially:

• Insulin

• Blood thinners

• Corticosteroids

Tell other healthcare providers about testosterone therapy before they prescribe new drugs.