Testosterone cypionate (By injection)

Testosterone Cypionate (tes-TOS-ter-one SIP-ee-oh-nate)

Treats low or no testosterone levels.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to testosterone, or if you have breast cancer or prostate cancer. This medicine is not for use in female patients, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. It is usually given into the muscle of your buttock.
  • A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

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 cypionate works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
    • Insulin
    • Blood thinner
    • Steroid medicine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, blood disease, lung disease or breathing problems (including sleep apnea), an enlarged prostate, heart failure, obesity, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Increased number of red blood cells
    • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
    • Increased risk of prostate cancer
    • Blood clotting problems, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
    • Liver problems
    • Edema (fluid and sodium retention)
    • Swelling of the breasts (gynecomastia)
    • Increased risk of bone growth problems in children
  • This medicine may lower your sperm count (with large doses). Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some males who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
  • 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.

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
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, trouble urinating
  • Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, faintness
  • Dark urine or pale stools, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
  • 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
  • Enlarged, swollen, or painful breasts

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

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given

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


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

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