Generic Name: Testosterone
Brand Name: Androderm
Use:
Adult males whose level of testosterone is on a decline. It is a known fact that, as a man advances in age, the male body does not produce enough testosterone (hypogonadism) that it needs. The Androderm patch is a prescription medicine that holds testosterone.
It works by supplementing the testosterone level naturally produced by the male body. The patch can also be used for other medical conditions, as deemed necessary by your physician
It Is NOT Advisable To Use Androderm Patch If:
- A male person that has an allergic reaction to the ingredients found in the Androderm patch
- A male is known to have or suspected to have breast cancer or a prostate cancer
- A female is pregnant or may become pregnant, possibly harmful to an unborn child
- A female who is breastfeeding possibly dangerous to a breastfeeding baby
Discussing specific issues with your physician immediately about any conditions is always advisable.
Precaution
Several medical conditions may interact with the Androderm patch. Your doctor must be informed of any medical conditions that apply to you:
- For persons who are taking any medication, prescribed or non-prescribed, herbal medicines or if taking any dietary supplement
- For women who are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding
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- For persons with known allergic reactions to any medicine, food, or other substances
- For persons with known heart disease, heart failure, angina (chest pain), coronary artery disease, swelling (edema), high cholesterol levels, lung disease, or sleep apnea (long pauses in breathing while you sleep)
- For persons known to have diabetes, kidney or liver disease, an enlarged prostate, obesity, or high blood calcium levels
- For persons suffering or had suffered from blood clots
For individuals taking medication, the Androderm patch may INTERACT WITH medicines. It is advisable to immediately inform your healthcare provider of any administered drug, especially of the following:
- Carbamazepine, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), macrolide immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus), or oxyphenbutazone – these medications may induce risky side when taken with Androderm patch
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), insulin, or oral hypoglycemics (e.g., glyburide) may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with an Androderm patch
- Propranolol effects may decrease if an Androderm patch is used as well
Properly ask your healthcare provider if the Androderm patch may interact with other medicines you are taking, and before taking any medication, stop or change the dose.
A consultation is always advisable before starting with the Androderm patch.
Application
This drug applies to testosterone: the extended release of a buccal patch
Other Dosage Forms:
- transdermal patch extended the release
- intramuscular injectable, intramuscular oil, intramuscular solution, intramuscular suspension
- nasal gel/jelly
Medical attention may be needed if a side effect has been observed in the wake of a testosterone (Androderm’s active ingredient) intake.
Side Effects:
Unknown Incident
- The occurrence of pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
- Difficulty in breathing
Immediate emergency assistance is needed if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking testosterone:
Symptoms of overdose
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- A headache
- Blurred vision
- Temporary blindness
- Severe and sudden inability to speak
- Severe and sudden loss of strength in the arm or leg on one side of the body
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However, there are known side effects that commonly occur when taking testosterone. These may not need any medical attention. It is how your body adjusts to the medication during treatment and may subside immediately. Your doctor can discuss ways to minimize or eliminate several of these side effects with you. If one or more of the following side effects goes on and is bothering you, check with your doctor:
More Common
- Irritation on gums or mouth
Less Common
- Unusual (after) taste
- Skin blemishes
- Breast pain
- Bleeding gums
- Change in taste
- Crying
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Depersonalization
- Dizziness
- Discouragement
- Dry mouth
- Enlarged breasts
- Dysphoria
- Euphoria
- Feeling sad or empty
- Fear or nervousness
- Gum pain or blisters
- Indigestion
- Hoarseness
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Itching skin
- Loss of pleasure or interest
- Mouth ulcers
- Lower back or side pain
- Nausea
- Painful or difficult urination
- Noisy breathing
- Paranoia
- Pounding in the ears
- Passing of gas
- Quick to react or overreact emotionally
- Redness and swelling of the gums
- Rapidly changing moods
- Slow or fast heartbeat
- Stomach cramps, pain, fullness, or discomfort
- Stinging of the lips
- Gum swelling
- Nose swelling
- A toothache
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Vomiting
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Dosage
A proper diagnosis is required before taking in ANDRODERM. Serum testosterone concentrations must be measured in the morning and for two days. The serum testosterone concentrations must be below the normal range. One ANDRODERM 4 mg/day system is recommended as the starting dose and needs to be applied nightly for 24 hours. This will ensure the delivery of approximately 4 mg of testosterone per day.
For proper dosing, the early morning serum testosterone concentration should be measured approximately two weeks after starting therapy, after a system application the previous evening. If the serum concentrations fall outside the range of 400 - 930 ng/dL, an increase in the daily dose is required.
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An individual needs to go up to 6 mg (i.e., one 4 mg/day and one 2 mg/day system) or a nightly application of 2 mg (i.e., one 2 mg/day system). Individuals can switch to the 2 mg/day, 4 mg/day, and 6 mg/day ANDRODERM dosage if they are currently maintained on 2.5 mg/day, 5 mg/day, and 7.5 mg/day by using the following transition program:
- Patients using 2.5 mg daily may be switched to 2 mg/day systems at the next scheduled dose.
- Patients using 5 mg daily may be switched to 4 mg/day systems at the next scheduled dose.
- Patients using 7.5 mg daily may be switched to 6 mg (2 mg/day and 4 mg/day systems) at the next scheduled dose.
Again, early morning serum testosterone concentration should be measured following system application the previous evening for proper dosing around two weeks after switching therapy.
How To Use The ANDRODERM Patch
- Portions of the body that the patch can be applied to are: the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs. The skin area should be clean and dry before applying the patch. It is necessary to avoid application on bony body areas subject to prolonged pressure during sleep or sitting. Use the adhesive side of the ANDRODERM system.
- It is not advisable to apply the ANDRODERM system to the scrotum.
- Do not use the same skin area within seven days.
- The skin on the selected area should not be oily, damaged, or irritated.
- She is pressed firmly in place. Ensure the patch has good skin contact, especially around the edges.
- Patients with the ANDRODERM system should avoid swimming, showering, or washing the administered area for at least 3 hours after patch application.
- Minor skin irritation may be treated with over-the-counter topical hydrocortisone cream after system removal.