Androgel

Composition Testosterone (1% w/w)
Rx Prescription Required
Pack sachet of 5 gm Gel
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical Class Androgens Derivative
Action Class Androgens
Habbit Forming No
Manufacturer Besins Healthcare India Pvt Ltd
Manufacturer address Gala No. 7 and 8, First Floor Building No. 8 6 , Shree Anhant Compound, Bhiwandi Distt. Thane

Androgel is for external use only. It should be applied on arms and shoulder once a day, preferably at the same time every day. It should be used as your doctor’s advice. You should use this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you. Do not use the gel too often and avoid applying it over the genital area.

The most common side effects of this medicine include acne and application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching, and redness). If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Some side effects may mean you should stop taking this medicine shortness of breath, frequent or persistent erections, and low sperm count.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Your doctor might perform regular blood tests to keep track of testosterone, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Treatment of Male hypogonadism

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the gel. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

Androgel is similar to the natural male hormone, testosterone. It works by replenishing the deficient testosterone levels in adult men. Lack of testosterone may cause various health problems including impotence, infertility, low sex drive, tiredness, depressive mood and bone loss.

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You have been prescribed Androgel for the treatment of low testosterone levels.

It should be applied once a day, preferably in the morning.

Apply it as a thin layer onto clean, dry, healthy, unbroken skin over the shoulders or upper arms.

Cover the application area after it’s dry, otherwise it can rub off on people.

Do not apply the gel to the genitals as this may cause irritation.

Your doctor may get your blood tests done regularly to monitor red blood cells, liver function, testosterone, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels while taking Androgel.

Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as frequent or persistent erections, irritability, nervousness or weight gain after starting treatment with this medicine.

Your doctor will administer this injection into a muscle or skin.

Your doctor may monitor you for 30 minutes after your shot to make sure you do not develop breathing problems or get a severe allergic reaction due to the medicine.

Q. What is Androgel and what it is used for?

Androgel contains a synthetic form of testosterone (a male sex hormone). It is used in the treatment of male hypogonadism (a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone).

Q. How and in what dose should I take Androgel?

Apply this medicine, onto clean, dry intact skin (preferably over abdomen or shoulders) once a day at the same time each day. Rub the gel in gently with one finger until dry, and then cover the area with loose clothing (e.g. T-shirt, shorts, pants). After finishing, wash your hands with soap and water. The dose of this medicine is decided by your doctor and make sure to follow it.

Q. What are the few important things that I should know while taking this medicine?

This medicine, may be transferred from you to the other person from close skin to skin contact. It might result in increase the testosterone levels in the other person. The prolonged or repeated exposure may cause few side effects (excess hair growth, deep voice, menstrual irregularities in women). To prevent this, cover the application site with the loose clothing once the gel has dried and always wash your hands with soap and water after applying it.

Q. What are the common side effects of using Androgel?

The most common side effect of using Androgel is skin reactions at the site of application such as burning or prickling sensation, dryness, rash, redness or itchiness. The other common side effects are increased body hair growth, increase in breast size, swelling of hands and feet and increase in blood pressure. If any of these side effect bother you, please consult with your doctor.

Q. Can Androgel be used for body building purpose?

No, Androgel should not be used for increasing muscle mass and physical ability in healthy individuals, as this may cause harmful effects when used inappropriately. Also, in healthy individuals, if Androgel is given externally, it may cause hormonal imbalance.

Q. Who should not take Androgel?

Androgel should not be given to men with breast cancer, prostate cancer and kidney disease. It should be avoided in patients who had or presently have liver cancer and in those who have increased levels of calcium in blood. It should not be used by females, children below 18 years, and elderly patients more than 65 years of age.

Q. Can Androgel have any harmful effect if I am a diabetic?

Androgel may decrease blood glucose levels, and therefore, the dose of antidiabetic medicines should be reduced. Consult your doctor for advice.

Q. Will there be a problem if I am taking warfarin and have started Androgel?

You should get blood tests done more frequently for checking your bleeding time (time taken to stop bleeding) when you are taking warfarin along with Androgel, especially when starting and stopping Androgel. Talk to your doctor for advice.

Q. How long does it take for Androgel to show its effects?

While some of the effects of Androgel may start showing effects after 3 weeks, some may take longer. For example, effect on sexual interest appears after 3 weeks, while changes in erections/ejaculations may take up to 6 months.

Q. What are the major health risks associated with Androgel therapy?

The major health risks associated with the use of Androgel in men are heart attack, stroke, and prostatic carcinoma.

Q. What is Androgel and what is it used for?

Androgel is an injectable preparation which contains a synthetic form of testosterone (a male sex hormone). It is used in the treatment of male hypogonadism (a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone).

In Treatment of Male hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone (male sex hormone). Androgel injections help improve the level of testosterone in your body. This helps in maintaining better sex life, improve overall physical appearance, gives good mood and boost overall confidence. Androgel also helps in muscle building and development of bones. This treatment has few side effects so it is advisable to always take the injection under a doctor’s supervision only. You should continue taking it as long as it is prescribed even if you feel better.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Breast enlargement in male

Voice change

Acne

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)

Alcohol:

No interaction found/established

Pregnancy:UNSAFE

Androgel is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor’s advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Breast feeding:UNSAFE

Androgel is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.Androgel is not indicated for use in women.

Driving:

No interaction found/established

Kidney:

No interaction found/established

Liver:

No interaction found/established

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Masters SB. Hypothalmic & Pituitary Hormones. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 719-22.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1335-37.

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