AndroGel

What is AndroGel?

AndroGel contains testosterone. It is a naturally occurring male hormone that is essential for many functions within the body. It does this by supplementing or replacing testosterone produced naturally by the body.

AndroGel can be used to treat ailments in men resulting from the natural absence of testosterone.

AndroGel is not a way to improve athletic performance and shouldn't be used to enhance athletic performance.

Warnings

You shouldn't apply AndroGel if you suffer from prostate cancer or male breast cancer, or if you are pregnant or nursing.Testosterone may create birth defects in an unborn baby. Pregnant women must avoid contact with the medicine or even with the skin of a male to whom the medication has been applied.

The testosterone in your skin is taken up by the skin and can trigger adverse reactions or signs of male features in children or women who come into contact with this medication. Call your doctor if someone in close contact with you experiences larger pubic hair, premature genitals, increased libido, increased aggression, male-pattern hair loss, excessively growing body hairs, more acne, irregular menstrual cycles, or any indication of male traits.

Use of AndroGel could cause harmful or irreparable harm. Do not exceed your prescribed dosage. Don't share this medication with anyone else.

Before You Take This Drug

It is not recommended to use AndroGel if you have an allergy to gels or patches of testosterone or if you suffer from

• Prostate cancer 

• Male breast cancer

To be sure AndroGel is suitable for you, inform your physician if you've previously had:

• Cancer;

• Prostate enlargement, urinary issues;

• Sleep apnea (breathing stops while you sleep);

• High blood pressure, heart disease, attack, or stroke

• A blood clot;

• Diabetes

• Kidney disease or liver disease

Men who are older and use AndroGel could have a higher chance of developing prostate enlargement or cancer. If you're over 65, consult your physician about your particular risk.

AndroGel shouldn't be used by women. Testosterone can cause birth defects in a baby who is not yet born. A woman who is pregnant must avoid the testosterone gel or even the skin areas where the gel was applied. If contact occurs, then wash the area with water and soap immediately.

Avoid using AndroGel for anyone under the age of 18.

How to Take AndroGel?

Make sure you use AndroGel in the exact way it was recommended by your physician. Follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Don't take this medication in greater or lesser quantities or for longer periods than what is prescribed.

The misuse of AndroGel can result in dangerous or irreparable effects, including breast enlargement, small testicles, and infertility. It can also cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, liver disease, strokes, bone growth issues, addiction, and mental health issues such as violence and aggression.

Don't share this medicine with anyone else.

The medicine comes with instructions to ensure safe and efficient use. Follow these instructions carefully. Consult your physician or pharmacist for any additional concerns.

Apply AndroGel only on your upper arms, shoulders, or abdomen, which are covered by a t-shirt with short sleeves. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after you apply the gel. Cover the area with a towel until you've cleaned the area you applied it to well or have washed your body. If you anticipate having skin-to-skin contact with someone else, be sure to wash the surface thoroughly using detergent and water.

Do not apply AndroGel on your penis or scrotum.

Apply AndroGel to dry skin after bathing or showering. Let the cream dry for a minimum of 5 minutes prior to putting on your clothes. Avoid swimming, showering, or bathing for at least 2 hours following the application.

AndroGel can be potentially flammable. Avoid exposing yourself to flames near an open flame, and don't smoke until the gel has been absorbed by your skin.

Protect the skin area by covering it with clothing to prevent receiving this medication from other people. If another person comes into contact with a treated skin area, they should clean the area using detergent and soap.

If you are taking AndroGel, it is possible that you will require regular blood tests.

Utilize AndroGel often to reap maximum benefits. Refill your prescription prior to running out of the medicine completely.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Use the cream as quickly as it is remembered. Do not miss the missed dose in the event that it is near time for your next dose. Do not apply an extra dose to make up the dose that was missed.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What Should Be Avoided?

Do not apply this medication to your penis or scrotum.

Avoid bathing, swimming, or showering for at least 5 hours following the application of AndroGel.

Side Effects Of AndroGel

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing any symptoms warning of a reaction allergic to AndroGel, symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face.

Do not use AndroGel and contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

• More frequent urination (many times a day) and decreased bladder control

• Urination that is painful or difficult

• The breasts, swelling, or pain;

• Unpleasant or uncomfortable erections;

• Swelling of the body, rapid weight gain, breathing problems during sleep,

• Chest discomfort or pressure that is spreading into your shoulder or jaw;

• Liver issues: nausea, stomach discomfort, itching, a fatigued feeling, a loss of appetite black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);

• Symptoms for a blood clot inside the lung, such as chest pain, a sudden cough and wheezing or rapid breathing, coughing up blood, or

• Symptoms of a blood clot on your leg: discomfort, swelling, heat, or redness on either leg or the other.

Topically absorbed testosterone can be absorbed by the skin and can trigger symptoms that are male-like in a child or woman who is exposed to the drug. Call your doctor when your female companion is experiencing male-pattern baldness, an excess increase in body hair, more acne, an irregular menstrual cycle, or any other sign of male traits.

Common side effects of AndroGel include:

• Itching, redness of the skin, or a hardened irritation where the medication was applied or the patch of skin was placed;

• Increased red blood cells (may cause headaches, dizziness, or redness on your face or in your muscles);

• Increased prostate-specific antigen

• Elevated blood pressure

• Headache;

• Mood changes, strange dreams;

• Often or long-lasting erections;

• Nausea, vomiting,

• Swelling in your lower legs.

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other effects may also be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects.It is possible to report any adverse allergic reactions or symptoms to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction With Other Drugs

Inform your doctor about all your medications currently in use as well as any that you decide to start or stop using in the course of treatment with AndroGel, particularly:

• Insulin;

• Is a blood thinner (Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven)

• Steroid medication; methylprednisolone (Medrol); prednisone (Sterapred); and a variety of others.

This list isn't comprehensive. Other medications may be incompatible with testosterone, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins and herbal supplements. There are not all the interactions mentioned in this drug guide.