Testosterone Propionate

This medication is used in men who do not make enough of a natural substance called testosterone. In males, testosterone is responsible for many normal functions, including growth and development of the genitals, muscles, and bones. It also helps cause normal sexual development (puberty) in boys. Testosterone belongs to a class of drugs known as androgens. It works by affecting many body systems so that the body can develop and function normally.

Testosterone may also be used in certain adolescent boys to cause puberty in those with delayed puberty. It may be used in certain women to treat advanced breast cancer.

This medication is given by injection into a muscle, usually once every 1 to 4 weeks for low testosterone levels, or exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, testosterone blood levels, and response to treatment.

Before using, check this product visually for particles. If particles or crystals are present after storage of the vial at temperatures lower than recommended, warming and shaking the vial should make them disappear. Do not use the liquid if crystals or particles do not disappear completely. In this case, discard it properly.

Learn the proper way to give injections, and learn to store and discard syringes and needles safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use a calendar to mark the days you will receive an injection.

Do not suddenly stop using testosterone if you have been using it regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, your body will no longer make its own testosterone, and withdrawal reactions (e.g., tiredness, weakness, depression) may occur. To prevent withdrawal reactions when stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Abnormal drug-seeking behavior is possible with this medication, and it is frequently misused for its muscle-enhancing effects. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Doing so may increase serious side effects (e.g., increased risk for heart disease/heart failure/stroke/liver disease, ruptured tendons/ligaments, improper bone development in adolescents). Properly stop the medication when so directed.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after at least 1 month of treatment.

Overdose is unlikely, but if it is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, then resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share or sell this medication to others. It is against the law.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood testosterone levels, red blood cell counts, liver function tests, blood cholesterol levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Use of testosterone may affect certain laboratory tests (e.g., thyroid tests including total T4, rT3 uptake, rT4 uptake). Make sure that all of your doctors and laboratory personnel know you are using this medication.

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Nausea, vomiting, skin color changes, ankle swelling, increased sexual interest, increased frequency/duration of erections, oily skin, and acne may occur. Pain and redness at the injection site may also occur. Less common side effects may include trouble sleeping, increased sweating, and headaches. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects when it is used at normal doses.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: warfarin, oxyphenbutazone, fusidic acid.

If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting testosterone.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.