MedlinePlus Drug Information: Testosterone Transdermal

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Testosterone Transdermal

(tes tos' ter one)

Brand name(s): Androderm; Testoderm

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Testosterone is a hormone, a substance produced by the body, that is needed for normal growth and development of male sexual organs. This drug is used to replace natural testosterone in males who have conditions that cause a decrease in or absence of testosterone, such as delayed onset of puberty.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

This medication comes in a patch of specially designed material that releases the testosterone for absorption through your skin into your bloodstream.

To use a patch, remove it from the package, peel off the backing to expose the sticky side, and immediately press the sticky side onto the skin where the patch should go. Hold the patch in place for about 20 seconds, and then make sure the edges stick firmly to your skin. Wash your hands after putting the patch on. If a patch falls off or loosens, put on a new one.

Be sure you know which type of testosterone transdermal patch your doctor has prescribed for you and where on your body your patches are to be placed.

Androderm transdermal patches are applied to clean, dry skin on the upper arms, thighs, back, or abdomen (stomach). Two patches usually are applied (in two different areas) at night and worn for 24 hours. Do not put patches on irritated, scarred, broken, or calloused skin. Put the two patches on a different area of skin every day and do not reuse the same spot for at least 7 days. To avoid burn-like blisters, do not place Androderm patches over bony prominences (bony points) or on skin areas that will receive a lot of pressure during sleep or sitting. Androderm does not need to be removed during sexual intercourse, showering, or bathing.

A Testoderm transdermal patch is applied only to the scrotum once a day, preferably at the same time each day. One patch usually is worn for 22-24 hours. A clean, dry scrotal site should be selected, with scrotal hair removed by dry-shave, not with the use of depilatories (chemical hair-removing agents).

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use transdermal testosterone patches exactly as directed. Do not use more or fewer patches or apply the patches more often than prescribed by your doctor. It may take several weeks to see the full effects of transdermal testosterone.

Continue to use testosterone transdermal even if you feel well. Do not stop using testosterone transdermal without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using testosterone transdermal patches,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to testosterone or the transdermal patch or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), diabetes medications such as insulin, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; migraine headaches; heart, liver, or kidney disease; high blood cholesterol or fats; cancer of the breast; known or suspected cancer of the prostate; enlarged prostate; a history of depression; or any blood disorder.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to remove a patch(es), take the old Testoderm patch (Androderm patches) off as soon as you remember, and put on a new one for Testoderm (two for Androderm). Then continue to change the Testoderm patch (Androderm patches) every 24 hours from the time that you put on the new one(s).

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from transdermal testosterone patches are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

irritation, redness, discomfort, or itching at site of patch
headache
enlargement of the breasts
depression
acne
upset stomach or vomiting
ankle swelling (edema or fluid retention)
increased blood pressure
increased blood cholesterol
increased number and/or duration of penile erections
decreased sperm production

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

skin rash, itching, or hives
difficulty breathing
yellowing of the skin or eyes
unusual or excessive bleeding
difficulty urinating
severe swelling or fluid retention

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

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). Do not remove skin patches from their protective pouches until just before applying them. Throw away patches that are outdated or no longer needed by cutting them up into pieces and placing them in the trash in a manner out of reach of children and pets. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Do not use Androderm patches on the scrotum. Use Testoderm patches only on the scrotum.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You will probably have periodic blood tests to determine your response to this medication.

Female sex partners of men using transdermal testosterone should tell their doctors if they notice changes in their body hair growth or increased acne (pimples) since there is a slight chance the testosterone may be transmitted during sex.

Do not let anyone else use your patches. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer