Androgel (Testosterone)

AbbVie, Inc.

NPC's mission is your health. We recognize your need for help when you are applying for discount programs for your prescription medications. We consist of friendly and experienced advocates that not only know how these free and discount programs work, but are ready to help. We are available to take your call and answer any questions you may have as you search for the right program to fit your needs. We can also explain any supporting material you may need to provide as you apply for these programs. If for any reason you are denied, we also are experienced in the best appeals process with a high success rate.

NPC's mission is your health. We recognize your need for help when you are applying for discount programs for your prescription medications. We consist of friendly and experienced advocates that not only know how these free and discount programs work, but are ready to help. We are available to take your call and answer any questions you may have as you search for the right program to fit your needs. We can also explain any supporting material you may need to provide as you apply for these programs. If for any reason you are denied, we also are experienced in the best appeals process with a high success rate.

Androgens and anabolic steroids

Hormone Replacement for Men

This medicated gel contains testosterone. It is used for hormone replacement in men who are not able to produce enough testosterone (e.g., hypogonadism). This medication is absorbed through the skin, enters your bloodstream, and helps your body reach normal testosterone levels. Testosterone helps the body to develop and maintain the male sexual characteristics (masculinity), such as a deep voice and body hair. It also helps to maintain muscle and prevent bone loss, and is necessary for natural sexual ability/desire.

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using testosterone gel and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. There are many testosterone products available for use on the skin. They may have different amounts of testosterone and may not have the same effects. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product. Do not change products without asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you are using the gel pump, learn how to prepare the pump for use. You may pump this medication into the palm of your hand or directly onto the desired application site. If you are not sure how to use the pump, ask your pharmacist. Apply the medication as directed to clean, dry skin of the shoulders/upper arms once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. Apply only to areas that would be covered if you were to wear a short sleeve t-shirt. Certain brands of this medication may also be applied to the stomach area (abdomen). Check your product's instructions or ask your pharmacist if your brand may be applied to the abdomen. Avoid applying this medication to broken, irritated skin. Do not apply to the genitals (penis or scrotum). Do not let others apply this medication to your body. Dosage is based on your medical condition, laboratory tests, and response to treatment. After applying this medication, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of accidentally spreading it from your hands to other people. Before dressing, wait a few minutes for the application site to dry completely. Be sure to always wear clothing (such as a t-shirt) to cover the application site until you wash the areas well with soap and water. To get the best effect, wait several hours (2 to 5 hours depending on brand) before showering/swimming to allow the drug to be absorbed through the skin. Check the manufacturer's information or ask your pharmacist for details. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. This medication is flammable until dry. Let the gel dry before smoking or going near an open flame.

Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, hair loss, trouble sleeping, change in sexual desire, redness/swelling of the skin, change in skin color, and acne may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: breast pain/enlargement, swelling of the feet/ankles (edema), weight gain, very slow/shallow/difficult breathing (possibly while sleeping), weakness, trouble urinating, increased urination (especially at night), mental/mood changes (such as depression, agitation, hostility), change in size/shape of the testicles, testicle pain/tenderness, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, fast/irregular heartbeat. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes. In patients with diabetes, especially those taking insulin, testosterone may decrease your blood sugar. Be prepared to treat low blood sugar while you are using this medication. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, nervousness, rapid pulse, and sweating. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medications. For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur. This medication can decrease sperm production, an effect that may lower male fertility. Consult your doctor for more details. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin). This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including thyroid function tests, creatinine level), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

Symptoms of an overdose may include: weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision problems, or confusion. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near an open flame. Keep all medications away from children and pets, and throw out used medication packages in a secure trash can.