Testosterone (tes-TOS-ter-one)

Treats low testosterone levels.

Brand Name(s):

AndroGel, Axiron, Testim, Vogelxo

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly, Kit, Liquid

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Apply this medicine at the same time every day in the morning, unless your doctor tells you differently.
• Androgel® 1.62% is available in two forms: individual packets or multi-dose pump. Fortesta® is available in multi-dose pump. Vogelxo® is available in three forms: individual packets, multi-dose pump, or tube. Testim® is available in tube.
• Follow the manufacturer's directions on how to prime the pump before you use it the first time. Do not use the medicine that comes out during priming. Rinse it down the drain.
• Androgel® 1.62% Gel:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
  • If you are using the pump for the first time, you will need to prime the pump. To prime the pump, remove the cap and slowly push the pump all the way down 3 times. Do not use any medicine that comes out while priming. Wash it down the sink.
  • If you are using the packets, tear open the packet at the notch on the top edge. Squeeze from the bottom of the packet to the top. Squeeze all the gel out of the packet into the palm of your hand.
  • Apply the medicine to a clean, dry, intact skin on your shoulders and upper arms that will be covered by a short sleeve T-shirt. Do not apply to broken skin or other parts of your body (including penis, scrotum, or stomach).
  • Do not shower, swim, or take a bath for at least 2 hours after applying this medicine.
• Fortesta® Gel:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
  • If you are using the pump for the first time, you will need to prime the pump. To prime the pump, remove the cap and slowly push the pump all the way down 8 times. Do not use any medicine that comes out while priming. Wash it down the sink.
  • Apply the medicine to a clean, dry, intact skin on your front and inner part of your thighs only that will be covered by shorts or pants. Do not apply to the area of the thigh closest to the scrotum. Do not apply to any other parts of your body (including penis, scrotum, shoulder, upper arms, or stomach).
  • Do not shower, swim, or take a bath for at least 2 hours after applying this medicine.
• Testim® Gel:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
  • Squeeze all of the gel from the tube into the palm of your hand.
  • Apply the medicine to a clean, dry, intact skin on your shoulder and upper arms that will be covered by a short sleeve T-shirt. Do not apply to broken skin or other parts of your body (including penis, scrotum, or stomach).
  • Do not shower, swim, or take a bath for at least 2 hours after applying this medicine.
• Voglexo® Gel:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
  • If you are using the pump for the first time, you will need to prime the pump. To prime the pump, remove the cap and slowly push the pump all the way down 3 times. Do not use any medicine that comes out while priming. Wash it down the sink.
  • If you are using the tube, remove the cap from the tube and squeeze all of the gel into the palm of your hand.
  • If you are using the packets, tear open the packet at the dotted line. Squeeze from the bottom of the packet to the top. Squeeze all the gel out of the packet into the palm of your hand.
  • Apply the medicine to a clean, dry, intact skin on your shoulder and upper arms that will be covered by a short sleeve T-shirt. Do not apply to broken skin or other parts of your body (including penis, scrotum, or stomach).
  • Do not shower, swim, or take a bath for at least 2 hours after applying this medicine.
• Children and women should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where the testosterone gel has been applied. If another person accidentally gets this medicine on his or her skin, wash the area with soap and water right away.
• Solution:
  • This medicine comes in 2 forms: a pump actuated metered dose bottle and a twist actuated metered dose bottle.
  • Apply an antiperspirant or deodorant spray at least 2 minutes before you apply this medicine.
  • Use an applicator to apply the solution to clean and dry underarms. Do not apply this medicine to any other part of your body.
  • Wipe any medicine that drips or runs with an applicator. Do not rub the solution with your fingers or hand.
  • Rinse the applicator cup with water and pat it dry with a tissue. Put the cup and cap back onto the pump actuated metered dose bottle. Put the lid back on the twist actuated metered dose bottle.
  • Allow the solution to dry for at least 3 minutes before you cover the area with clothing. Do not shower or swim for at least 2 hours.
• If any medicine gets in your eyes, rinse them right away with water and call your doctor. Do not drink this medicine.
• This medicine is flammable. Let the medicine dry before smoking or going near an open flame.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep the medicine in a safe place. Do not give it to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
• Throw away the empty pump, tube, or packet in a place where children and pets cannot reach it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how testosterone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Insulin, oxyphenbutazone
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, blood clotting problems, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased number of red blood cells
  • Blood clotting problems, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
  • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
  • Increased risk of prostate cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Edema (fluid and sodium retention)
  • Swelling of the breasts (gynecomastia)
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Changes in how much or how often you urinate, trouble urinating
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, unusual sweating, faintness
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Enlarged, swollen, or painful breasts
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• More erections than usual or erections that last a long time

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088