Sometimes, our men feel tired, lethargic, or have other health problems, so doctors may tell them, "You have low testosterone." Then they may recommend a testosterone injection. So, you may feel a little scared when you hear this, right? But don't worry. Today, we will talk about this testosterone injection, that is, this injection, in detail and simply.
What is testosterone? Why is this injection given?
Okay, let's first see what testosterone is and why this injection is given.
Simply put, testosterone is a very important hormone that is naturally produced in our bodies, especially in men. It belongs to
the androgen hormone group. This testosterone hormone directly affects many things in a man, such as changes in the voice, muscle growth, sexual power, and hair growth. Just think, sometimes, due to various medical reasons, the amount of testosterone produced in the body of some men may decrease. That's when doctors use this testosterone injection to bring the testosterone level in the body back to a healthy level. It can be found in the market under different names, for example, `Andro-LA`, `Aveed`, `Delatestryl`, `Depo-Testosterone`, `Virilon`. However, there are times when this medicine is used for other things as well. So if you have any questions, it is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist (the person at the pharmacy) for more information.
What should I tell my doctor before starting this medication?
Before you start taking testosterone injections,
there are a few important things you should tell your doctor or nurse. These things may not work with this medicine, or you may need special care. So be sure to tell them about these things:
- If you have cancer .
- If you have diabetes .
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have lung disease .
- To youIf you have prostate disease (a gland in men).
- If you have had an unusual allergic reaction to testosterone , other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If your female partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If your female partner is a breastfeeding mother.
If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor about it so he or she can plan the treatment that best suits you.
How do you give this injection?
Testosterone is given
as an injection, that is, directly into a muscle. Most often, it is given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse. It is very rare for you to be told to take it at home. Also, the pharmacy where you get the medicine will give you
a special instruction leaflet (a `MedGuide`) with every prescription, and every time you get a refill.
It is very important to read this leaflet carefully. It contains a lot of information about the medicine, how to use it, and possible side effects.
What if this is used on children?
This medicine can sometimes be given to children as young as 12 years old in selected cases. However, this is only done for special medical reasons, and
special precautions do apply. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, you should discuss it with your doctor and follow his/her instructions.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you've taken too much of this medicine,
call a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Don't panic, and do what they tell you to do.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else for any reason, even if they have the same symptoms as you. Doing so may be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose?
It is very important to take this injection on time.
Do not miss a dose if possible. Your doctor or clinic will tell you when your next injection is due. If you are unable to go on your scheduled day,
let them know immediately. Are there any other medications (Drug Interactions) that are incompatible with this medicine?
Yes, there are some medications that can cause problems when taken together with this testosterone injection. That is, one medication can affect the effectiveness of another. Therefore, if you are taking these medications, be sure to tell your doctor:
- Medicines for diabetes
- Medicines that stop or control blood clotting , such as Warfarin .
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Propranolol
- Steroid-type medications, such as Prednisone or Cortisone .
This list is only the most important ones.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, non-prescription drugs, herbal medicines, and dietary supplements. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some things can interact with this medicine.
What special precautions should be taken when taking this medicine?
There are a few things you need to be careful about when taking this testosterone injection.
- See your doctor regularly: Your doctor will check you regularly to monitor your treatment progress and to do blood tests to make sure your testosterone levels are at the right levels. So be sure to go to your appointments regularly.
- Heart attack and stroke risk: This medication is only approved for men with low testosterone levels due to certain medical conditions. There have been reports of an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes when using this medication. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, vision changes, confusion, chest pain or tightness, sudden arm pain, severe, sudden headache, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, or loss of balance when walking, call your doctor right away and get emergency treatment. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.
- Effects on people with diabetes: This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medication.
- Use for women:Testosterone injections are not usually used in women. If a woman is planning to become pregnant or thinks she may be pregnant, she should tell her doctor. There is a possibility of serious side effects for an unborn baby. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Also, talk to your doctor about your birth control methods while taking this medicine.
- Banned by athletes: Many sports organizations have banned the use of this drug by athletes.
What side effects are possible?
Like any medication, testosterone injections can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone will experience them, but it's good to be aware of the potential side effects.
Serious side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:
If you experience any of these symptoms,
you should tell your doctor as soon as possible:- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Blood clot: leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain.
- Heart attack: Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold or clammy skin, fainting, or feeling dizzy.
- Increase in blood pressure.
- Liver injury: Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue.
- Mood swings, irritability, or hostility.
- Prolonged or painful erection.
- Sleep apnea: Loud snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache, changes in vision.
- Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet.
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist:
These things are usually not serious, but
if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor:- Acne.
- Change in sex drive or performance.
- Pain, redness, or irritation at the application site.
- Unexpected breast tissue growth.
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States. In Sri Lanka, it is best to tell your doctor.
How to store the medicine? (Storage)
It is also very important to store this medicine properly.
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- This medicine can be abused. Therefore, keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft.
- Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving this medicine to others is dangerous and against the law.
- Store at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not refrigerate. Protect from light.
- Follow the instructions for the medication you have been given.
- Throw away expired medications.
The most important things you need to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's remind you again of the most important things you need to remember from what we've talked about:
Testosterone injections are a treatment for low testosterone levels in men. This is a medication that must be taken exactly as directed by a doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all your health conditions and all the medications you take. This is very important.
- Read the special instructions leaflet (`MedGuide`) that comes with the medicine carefully.
- Be aware of side effects. If you notice anything serious, tell your doctor immediately.
- See the doctor on the scheduled dates.
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- Do not give this medicine to anyone else.
If you have any further questions about this testosterone injection, don't hesitate to ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. They will help you. The most important thing is to take care of your health!
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