Testosterone
Introduction To Testosterone
Testosterone is a medicine used in the treatment of male hypogonadism caused due to low testosterone levels. It is only prescribed to men with known medical conditions. It helps in restoring the level of testosterone in the male body.
Testosterone is best taken with food. Take it regularly and at the same time each day to get the most benefit. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you.
The most common side effects of this medicine include increased red blood cells, diarrhea, stomach pain or discomfort, leg pain, dizziness, increased sweating, headache, acne, and breast enlargement in male. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Some side effects may mean you should stop taking this medicine shortness of breath, frequent or persistent erections, and low sperm count.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Your doctor might perform regular blood tests to keep track of testosterone, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
Uses of Testosterone
- Treatment of Male hypogonadism
Benefits of Testosterone
Treatment of Male hypogonadism
Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body does not produce enough
testosterone (male sex hormone). Testosterone injections help improve the level
of testosterone in your body. This helps in maintaining better sex life,
improve overall physical appearance, gives good mood and boost overall
confidence. Testosterone also helps in muscle building and development of bones.
This treatment has few side effects so it is advisable to always take the
injection under a doctor’s supervision only. You should continue taking it as
long as it is prescribed even if you feel better.
Side effects of Testosterone
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Aquaviron
- Diarrhea
- Stomach discomfort
- Increased sweating
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Acne
- Voice change
- Breast enlargement in male
How to use Testosterone
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Testosterone is to be taken with food.
How Testosterone works
Testosterone is similar to the natural male hormone, testosterone. It works by replenishing the deficient testosterone levels in adult men. Lack of testosterone may cause various health problems including impotence, infertility, low sex drive, tiredness, depressive mood and bone loss.
Quick tips
- You have been prescribed Testosterone for the treatment of low testosterone levels.
- Your doctor may get your blood tests done regularly to monitor red blood cells, liver function, testosterone, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels while taking Testosterone.
- Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as frequent or persistent erections, irritability, nervousness or weight gain after starting treatment with this medicine.
- Your doctor will administer this injection into a muscle or skin.
- Your doctor may monitor you for 30 minutes after your shot to make sure you do not develop breathing problems or get a severe allergic reaction due to the medicine.
Safety Advice
PregnancyUNSAFE
Can I take Testosterone if I’m pregnant?
Testosterone is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
BreastfeedingUNSAFE
Can I take Testosterone if I’m breastfeeding?
Testosterone is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby. Testosterone is not indicated for use in women.
AlcoholCAUTION
Is drinking alcohol while taking Testosterone safe?
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Testosterone. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Testosterone?
Testosterone does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Testosterone if I have/had kidney diseases?
Testosterone should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Testosterone may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Testosterone if I have/had liver diseases?
Testosterone should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Testosterone may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can Testosterone be used for body building purpose?
No, Testosterone should not be used for increasing muscle mass and physical ability in healthy individuals, as this may cause harmful effects when used inappropriately. Also, in healthy individuals, if Testosterone is given externally, it may cause hormonal imbalance.
Q. How and in what dose should I take Testosterone?
It is recommended to take this medicine with food. The dose and duration for which you need to take this medicine is decided by your doctor depending on your exact medical condition. Make sure to follow the doctor’s advice. However, it is recommended to take it at the same time each day, to ensure consistent levels of medicine in the body.
Q. What are the common side effects of using Testosterone?
The common side effects are increased red blood cells, diarrhea, stomach pain or discomfort, leg pain, dizziness, increased sweating, headache, acne, breast pain, and gynecomastia. If any of these side effects bother you, consult with the doctor.
Q. Who should not take Testosterone?
Testosterone should not be given to men with breast cancer, prostate cancer and kidney disease. It should be avoided in patients who had or presently have liver cancer and in those who have increased levels of calcium in blood. It should not be used by females, children below 18 years, and elderly patients more than 65 years of age.
Q. What are the major health risks associated with Testosterone therapy?
The major health risks associated with the use of Testosterone in men are heart attack, stroke, and prostatic carcinoma.
Q. Can Testosterone have any harmful effect if I am a diabetic?
Testosterone may decrease blood glucose levels, and therefore, the dose of antidiabetic medicines should be reduced. Consult your doctor for advice.
Q. Will there be a problem if I am taking warfarin and have started Testosterone?
You should get blood tests done more frequently for checking your bleeding time (time taken to stop bleeding) when you are taking warfarin along with Testosterone, especially when starting and stopping Testosterone. Talk to your doctor for advice.
Q. How long does it take for Testosterone to show its effects?
While some of the effects of Testosterone may start showing effects after 3 weeks, some may take longer. For example, effect on sexual interest appears after 3 weeks, while changes in erections/ejaculations may take up to 6 months.
Q. What is Testosterone and what is it used for?
Testosterone is an injectable preparation which contains a synthetic form of testosterone (a male sex hormone). It is used in the treatment of male hypogonadism (a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone).
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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