What is Depo-Testosterone?
Testosterone occurs naturally in the testicles of men. A woman's adrenal gland and ovaries also produce small amounts of testosterone. The depo-testosterone used by men and boys is used to treat hormonal imbalances or conditions that are caused by a lack of this hormone. These include delayed puberty. The medicine should not be used to treat low testosterone due to age or certain medical conditions. The treatment of metastatic breast cancer is testosterone-enanthate in women. Testosterone does not improve athletic performance, and it should not be used in this way. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Depo Testosterone.
Side effects of Depo-Testosterone
If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face throat and tongue that suggest allergies - difficulty in taking breath in, difficulty keeping fluid down etc - that could indicate allergies are an issue then seek medical help immediately.If you experience a feeling of tightness in your throat, an urge to cough suddenly, or feel dizzy or out of breath after the injection, tell your caregivers immediately. For at least 30 minutes, you will be closely monitored to ensure that there is no reaction.
Depo-testosterone may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pain in your chest or pressure that spreads to the jaw or shoulder
- Breathing difficulties at night (sleep apnea);
- Rapid weight gain; swelling of the ankles and feet;
- A seizure;
- Unusual changes in behavior or mood
- Increased or continuing erection, problems with ejaculation, reduced amounts of semen, and decreased testicle sizes
- Increased urination during the night or painful urination;
- High levels of calcium can cause stomach pain, constipation, increased thirst, weakness or muscle pain, or confusion.
- High potassium levels—nausea and weakness; chest pains, irregular heartbeats, or trembling sensations
- Liver problems: right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- Signs of blood clots deep within the body: swelling, warmth, or redness on an arm or a leg
- Signs of a blood clot in the lungs: chest pain, sudden wheezing or coughing blood, rapid breathing;
- Signs of stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, or slurred words, especially on one side.
If the treatment continues, women may acquire male traits. This could become irreversible. If you see any of the following signs, call your doctor immediately.
- Acne;
- Changes in menstrual cycles (including missed periods);
- Male-pattern hair (such as the chest or chin);
- Hoarse voice or deepened vocalization
- The enlarged clitoris
If you experience certain side effects, your Depo Testosterones could be discontinued or delayed.
For men or women, common side effects include:
- Breast swelling
- Acne, excessive facial and body hair, male-pattern baldness
- Increased or decreased interest in sex
- Headache, depression, and anxiety
- Increased blood pressure
- Feeling of tingling or numbness;
- Abnormal liver function tests
- High red blood cell counts (hematocrit, hemoglobin);
- Increased PSA (prostate-specific antigen);
- Pain, bruising, or bleeding. Redness.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Estradiol, Tamoxifen, Testosterone, Premarin, Estrace, AndroGel, and Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Warnings
If you are suffering from male breast cancer or prostate cancer, or if your liver, kidneys, or heart are severely damaged, then testosterone should be avoided. The use of Depo Testosterone for treating low testosterone is prohibited if you do not have certain medical conditions or a decrease in testosterone due to aging. It is not recommended to use testosterone for athletic performance. It is forbidden to use Depo Testosterone in pregnant women. You may need to stop using testosterone or start taking blood pressure medication if you are at risk for a heart attack. It may be necessary to either stop taking testosterone or take blood pressure medications. The misuse of testosterone may cause irreversible or dangerous effects. Never share this medication with anyone else.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- Male breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Heart problems are serious.
- Severe liver disease
- Severe kidney disease
- An allergy to sesame or castor oils
Do not use Depo Testosterone if you are pregnant. It can cause harm to an unborn child.
If you've ever:
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems Coronary artery disease
- A heart attack or stroke
- Sleep apnea is a condition that causes sleep interruptions.
- Urination and prostate problems
- High cholesterol (or triglycerides);
- Cancer;
- Depression, anxiety or other forms of mental disorder; thoughts of suicide or suicidal thoughts/actions/feelings can all increase suicidal feelings and thoughts.
- Diabetes;
- High red blood cell (RBC) counts
- Liver or kidney disease
Testosterone can increase the risk of prostate cancer, heart disease (including strokes, heart attacks, and death), or liver disorders. These risks should be discussed with your doctor. Breastfeeding is not recommended for women who use testosterone. A child under 12 should not receive testosterone. Certain types of medicine have not been approved for anyone under 18 years old.
How to take Depo-Testosterone?
Injections of testosterone are given under the skin or in a muscle. This is done every two to four weeks. Only a health care professional should administer Depo Testosterones. Depo Testosterone treatment duration will vary depending on the conditions being treated. Your blood pressure can be raised by testosterone, increasing your chances of a heart attack, stroke, or death. You will have to check your blood pressure frequently. It may be necessary to take blood pressure medicine or stop taking testosterone. Blood tests will be required frequently. In boys being treated for late puberty, testosterone can have an effect on bone growth. It may be necessary to check the development of bones every six months while on treatment. Certain medical tests can be affected by depo-testosterone. Inform any doctors who treat you that you use testosterone. The misuse of testosterone may cause irreversible or dangerous effects. These include enlarged breasts and small testicles; infertility; high blood pressure; heart attacks; strokes; and liver diseases. Theft, sale, and giving this medication away are illegal. Stopping the medication can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, irritability, and a loss of appetite. Sleep problems or a decreased libido may also occur.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your Depo Testosterone appointment, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Depo Testosterone will be administered by healthcare professionals in a medical environment, so an overdose should not occur.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor advises against certain foods, beverages or activities for medical reasons, please adhere to their orders.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of any medications taken outside the scope of his/her expertise, such as:
- Insulin or diabetes oral medicine
- Medicine to treat pain or cold symptoms.
- A blood thinner—warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven
- Steroid medicine—prednisone, dexamethasone, and others.
The list below is not exhaustive. This list is not complete. This list does not encompass all possible interactions among medications.
