Testosterone cypionate

Generic Name: testosterone cypionate (tes-TOS-ter-one)
Brand Name: Depo-Testosterone

Testosterone cypionate is used for:

Treating symptoms of low testosterone in men when the body does not make any testosterone or not enough testosterone (hypogonadism). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Testosterone cypionate is a male sex hormone. It works by replacing or supplementing the testosterone that is naturally made in the body.

Do NOT use testosterone cypionate if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in testosterone cypionate
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• you have breast cancer and are male; known or suspected prostate cancer; or serious heart, liver, or kidney problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using testosterone cypionate:

Some medical conditions may interact with testosterone cypionate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, angina (chest pain), high cholesterol levels, swelling (edema), lung disease, or sleep apnea (long pauses in breathing while you sleep)
• if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate, kidney or liver disease, high blood calcium levels, or obesity
• if you have a history of blood clots

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with testosterone cypionate. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Carbamazepine, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or oxyphenbutazone because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by testosterone cypionate
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), insulin, or oral hypoglycemics (eg, glyburide) because their side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by testosterone cypionate
• Propranolol because its effectiveness may be decreased by testosterone cypionate

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if testosterone cypionate may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use testosterone cypionate:

Use testosterone cypionate as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Testosterone cypionate is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using testosterone cypionate at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use testosterone cypionate. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use testosterone cypionate if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of testosterone cypionate, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use testosterone cypionate.

Important safety information:

• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take testosterone cypionate before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Testosterone cypionate is not approved for treating low testosterone levels caused by aging. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Blood clots have happened in patients using testosterone products such as testosterone cypionate. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a blood clot (eg, swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; chest pain; shortness of breath; coughing up blood).
• Testosterone cypionate may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain or pressure, confusion, one-sided weakness, or speech or vision problems.
• Diabetes patients - Testosterone cypionate may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Testosterone cypionate may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using testosterone cypionate.
• Lab tests, including liver function, blood cell counts, blood cholesterol, prostatic specific antigen, bone growth, and blood testosterone, may be performed while you use testosterone cypionate. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use testosterone cypionate with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
• Testosterone cypionate should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Testosterone cypionate has benzyl alcohol in it. Do not use it in NEWBORNS or INFANTS. It may cause serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Using testosterone cypionate while pregnant may cause harm to the fetus. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. Testosterone cypionate should not be used by women.

Possible side effects of testosterone cypionate:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Acne; bitter or strange taste in mouth; change in sex drive; fatigue; gum or mouth irritation; gum pain; gum tenderness or swelling; hair loss; headache.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast growth or pain; change in the size or shape of the testicles; dark urine or light-colored bowel movements; depression or mood changes; dizziness; gingivitis; interrupted breathing while sleeping; loss of appetite; nausea; painful or prolonged erection; stomach pain; swelling of the ankles or legs; urination problems; weight gain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of testosterone cypionate:

Store testosterone cypionate at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep testosterone cypionate out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about testosterone cypionate, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Testosterone cypionate is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take testosterone cypionate or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about testosterone cypionate. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to testosterone cypionate. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using testosterone cypionate.

Source: Drugs.com