Sometimes, a man's body may experience a decrease in the hormone testosterone. This can be due to medical reasons. In such a case, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help restore your testosterone levels. Testosterone capsules are a medication that is given at such times. Let's talk about all this today.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
Testosterone is a male hormone. To be precise, it belongs to the group of hormones called androgens. If your body has low testosterone levels due to some medical condition, these capsules are used to increase that level and bring it back to a healthy level. This medicine can come in the market under names like `JATENZO`.
The most important thing is that this is not a drug that can be used at will. It should only be used under the prescription of a qualified doctor, and for a specific medical reason .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking this medication, it is very important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor. You should especially mention any of the following conditions:
| Illness or condition | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Any type of cancer (especially prostate or breast cancer) | Testosterone can affect the growth of some cancers. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure | This medication may increase blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack. |
| Diabetes | Because this can affect blood sugar levels, the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted. |
| Kidney or liver disease | These diseases affect the process of removing drugs from the body. |
| Increased red blood cell count | Testosterone can further increase red blood cell production. |
| Depression or suicidal thoughts | This medication may alter the mental state of some people. |
| Allergies to testosterone or other medications/foods | Knowing this is essential to prevent allergic reactions. |
| If your partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is a very important point. Please explain this clearly to the doctor. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
- Swallow with a glass of water: Swallow the medicine with a glass of water.
- Take with food: This is the most important thing. Testosterone capsules should always be taken with a meal. Do not take on an empty stomach.
- Take it on time: Take the exact dose as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or take more than the prescribed dose.
- Don't stop: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- What if you miss a dose?: If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time. If you are unable to remember, talk to your doctor for advice.
- What if you take too much medicine?: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Do not share: This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Special considerations and risks
When taking this medicine, it is very important to always pay attention to your health.
- See your doctor regularly: After starting treatment, go for regular check-ups as directed by your doctor. Your blood testosterone levels and other things may need to be checked.
- Heart attack and stroke risk: This is the most serious risk of this drug. Some people taking testosterone therapy have been reported to have had heart attacks and strokes.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately:
* Difficulty breathing
* Chest pain or tightness
* Sudden pain in the arm
* A severe, sudden headache
* Difficulty speaking or understanding things
* Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg
* Loss of balance when walking
- For people with diabetes: This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. So if you are taking medication for diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor before changing your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medication.
- Banned by athletes: Many sports organizations have banned the use of this drug by athletes.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, testosterone capsules can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Blood clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Mental changes | Mood swings, anger, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Sleep apnea | Loud snoring, stopping breathing during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness. |
| Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet | This can happen due to fluid retention in the body. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Acne | Increased oiliness of the skin and acne. |
| Stomach discomfort | Bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. |
| Other changes | Change in sexual desire, slight enlargement of breast tissue. |
Take-Home Message
- This medication should only be used if a doctor has diagnosed and confirmed that you have low testosterone levels.
- Always take the medicine with a meal . Do not take it on an empty stomach.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and any medical conditions you are taking.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or difficulty speaking, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else.
- If you have any questions about this medication, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න