Androderm

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Androderm Androderm (testosterone transdermal)

Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Androderm

Uses
These medicated patches contain testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone responsible for growth and development of male sex organs and male sex characteristics such as chest hair, facial hair, pubic hair, voice changes and muscle growth. The patches are used to treat testosterone deficiency.

Notes

Laboratory tests will be done periodically while using this medication to monitor its effects and to prevent side effects.
Female partners of patients using this medication have a minimal chance of developing acne or a change in body hair distribution and should report these to their doctor should they occur.

Storage

Store patches at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Properly discard used patches to be sure there is not accidental ingestion of the drug by others.

Androderm

How To Use

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Apply to dry, clean area of the back, stomach, upper arms or thighs.
The selected patch site must not be oily or irritated.
Do not place on scrotum or on bony areas such as shoulders or hips.
To use the patch, remove the protective backing to expose the adhesive surface.
Place patch with the adhesive side on clean, dry skin.
The patch is worn for 24 hours then replaced with a new patch.
Be sure to wait 7 days before applying a patch to the same site.
To discard a patch, remove it and fold it so the adhesive side is on the outside.
Place the folded patch in the pouch from which the new patch is taken and discard it in the trash.

Side Effects

Itching or irritation or discomfort at site of application may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the patch.
Other side effects reported include acne, breast tenderness, swelling of the breasts, headache, anxiety or a change in sex drive.
If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop painful or frequent urination, frequent or persistent erections, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the feet or ankles, mental confusion, depression or breathing trouble while taking this medication.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, notify your doctor of any disease you have, especially cancer of the prostate or breast (males), liver, heart, kidney disease, allergy, enlarged prostate.
High dosage, long-term use of androgens has been related to liver cancer.
Discuss your medicine with your doctor/pharmacist.
This drug must not be used during pregnancy.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Breast feeding should be avoided while using this medicine.
Females should be monitored for signs of virilization, such as deepening of the voice, facial hair, acne, menstrual irregularity, or clitoral enlargement.
Consult your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms occur.
Use in children should be undertaken with extreme caution due to the possibility this drug may have undesirable effects related to the growth of the child.
Geriatric men are at higher risk for developing enlarged prostates or prostate cancer when using this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, apply a new patch as soon as remembered and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including blood thinners, insulin, oxyphenbutazone and of diabetes medication usage.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.