Testosterone Gel 1% - Cernos
General Information about Testosterone Gel 1%
Testosterone Gel 1% is a prescription medicine used for treating low testosterone levels in male. In certain cases, the gel may also be used for treating certain diseases of the eye. Testosterone is a hormone naturally found in males. The gel works by supplementing the production of the hormone in human body. The drug is not prescribed to women. It may have adverse effect on children younger than 18 years.
Precautions/side effects of testosterone gel 1%
Patients allergic to soy products or alcohol should refrain from using this drug. Other than that, patients with breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes, diseases of the heart, obesity etc. should take this drug only after due consultation with a physician. The drug is also known to react with certain medications such as blood thinners like warfarin, propranolol, corticosteroids etc. Patients on any of these drugs should use testosterone gel 1% only after consulting a qualified physician.
The use of Testosterone Gel 1% can cause irritation at the site of application. However, in certain cases, the use of the drug may lead to severe side effects such as rashes, hives, pain in the chest, inflammation of the tongue, face, lips, painful erections, swelling of the arms or legs, unusual weight gain or weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice etc. If any of these symptoms show up after the use of the drug, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
- The use of Testosterone Gel 1% may cause giddiness. Tasks which require attention such as driving or working on heavy machinery should not be done immediately after taking the drug.
- The site of application of the drug should not come in contact with anyone else. Any unwashed clothing which has traces of the drug should also not be allowed to come in contact with anybody else. Accidental exposure to the drug should be washed away thoroughly immediately.
- Increased use of the drug can lead to lower sperm count. Thus, it should be used for the prescribed period only.
- Testosterone Gel 1% increases the risk of prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate in elderly and should be used with caution.
- Testosterone Gel 1% should not be used in conjunction with other testosterone medicines without consulting a doctor as it may lead to complications.
Serious conditions associated with testosterone gel 1%
Accidental exposure to Testosterone Gel 1% may lead to serious complications. These include an enlarged penis or clitoris, early signs of puberty in children, severe acne in female, unusual aggressive behavior and changes in distribution of body hair. If any of these symptoms show up after accidental exposure to the drug, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
Dosage of testosterone 1% gel
Testosterone Gel 1% is available in 75 g pump. The usual recommended dose of the drug is 5 g once daily. The general usage instructions of the drug are:
- Apply Testosterone Gel 1% on a clean and dry area only. It should be ideally be applied on shoulders or arms which get covered by sleeves of the shirt to prevent accidental exposure of the drug to other people.
- The pump should be primed before use. It should be pressed 3 times before use.
- Testosterone Gel 1% should not be applied on open wounds, genitals, sores or scrotum.
- The gel should be allowed to dry before wearing clothes.
- There should be a gap of at least 2 hours after applying the gel for maximum effect.
- Hands should be washed immediately after applying the gel.
Overdose of Testosterone Gel 1% should be prevented at all times. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, it should not be clubbed with the next dose.
Storage of testosterone 1% gel
Testosterone Gel 1% should be stored at a temperature of 15-30 degree Celsius and out of reach of children and pets. The gel is inflammable and should be kept away from sources of fire such as a kitchen stove.