Let's find out about the (Testosterone) gel in your body?

You too have been told by a doctor to use a `( Testosterone )` gel on your body, right? Maybe it is because your `( Testosterone )` level in your body is low. This is actually a medicine that belongs to the group of hormones called `( androgen hormones)`. So, it is very important that you are fully aware of this medicine. Let's talk about this thoroughly today, okay?

What is this medicine really used for?

Simply put, this `(Testosterone)` gel is used to increase the `(Testosterone)` hormone level in your body. Sometimes this hormone can be low in our body. That is when doctors give this kind of treatment. However, if you have a question about whether this medicine is used for anything else apart from this, it is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist. This gel can come under different brand names like `(AndroGel)`, `(FORTESTA)`, `(Testim)`, `(Vogelxo)`. No matter which type you are given, it contains `(Testosterone)`.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start using this `(Testosterone)` gel, there are some things you should definitely tell your doctor. Because this medicine may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, or it may need to be used with great caution. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor :

• If you have breast cancer .
• If you are a diabetic .
• If you have heart disease or heart failure .
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease .
• If you have a lung disease , for example , asthma or COPD .
• If you have a condition called `Polycythemia` (an increase in the number of red blood cells).
• If you have prostate cancer or another related disease.
• If you have sleep apnea .
• If you have any allergies to `(Testosterone)`, other medications, foods, or dyes.
• If you or your partner are pregnant or expecting a child .
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child .

It's very important for your own safety to tell the doctor these things without hiding them, do you understand?

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This is where many people make a mistake. This `(Testosterone)` gel should only be used on the outside of the body. Do not take it by mouth! Here's how to do it correctly: 1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. 2. Apply the medicine at the same time every day , as your doctor has told you. Do not apply more than the doctor has told you, or apply it more often. 3. Make sure you are using the exact type of medicine (e.g., a packet, a pump) that you have been given. There may be separate instructions for this. 4. After applying the medicine, let the skin dry thoroughly . This means leaving the area uncovered for a few minutes. 5. After it has dried thoroughly, cover the area with clothing . This is very important. Otherwise, the medicine on your skin may get on someone else's skin and cause problems for them. We'll talk about that in a bit. Usually, you get an INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE leaflet with this medicine. Ask for it at the pharmacy. Read it carefully. If there's anything you don't understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You may be given a special `MedGuide` leaflet at the pharmacy every time you get your medicine. You should definitely read that too.

Should this medicine be given to children?

Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children. Therefore, talk to your doctor before giving this medicine to your child.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the nearest poison control center or hospital emergency department .

Important: This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.

What if I miss my medication time?

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 the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose .

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

If you are using other medications, you should also tell your doctor about them. Because some medications can interact with this `(Testosterone)` gel. Then the effect of the medication may change or the side effects may increase. The main types of medications that can interact are:

• Diabetes medication
• Medicines that stop or control blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin)
• Steroid type medication(Ex: `(Prednisone)`, `(Cortisone)`)

This list may not be complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . Tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.

Things to keep in mind when using this medicine

While using this medicine , check your health regularly with your doctor . Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. You may also need to have blood tests .

Warning: Heart attacks and strokes have been reported in people using this medication. If you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke (e.g., chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness in the face/arm/leg), call emergency services immediately. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Prevent the medicine from touching others!

This is the biggest risk of this medicine. After applying it to your body, this medicine can be transferred to someone else, such as your family, friends, or even your pets. If this happens, they may experience serious side effects. Imagine, if you apply the medicine and pick up your small child before it dries, or if your wife/husband touches you, the medicine can get on their skin.

• That's why we said earlier that after applying the medicine, cover the area with a cloth .
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with other people as much as possible (even if the medicine is applied).
• If this medicine accidentally gets on another person or pet, immediately wash the person's or animal's skin thoroughly with soap and water .
• If your partner is pregnant, or is trying to become pregnant, she should completely avoid contact with this medicine or your skin that has been applied .

Pregnancy and birth defects

If you are planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away . This medicine can cause serious birth defects .

For those with diabetes

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels . If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet or medication.

For players

Many sports organizations have banned athletes from using this drug .

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this `(Testosterone)` gel can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are not so serious.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor without delay:

• 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.
• Increase in blood pressure.
• Liver injury: Pain in the upper right abdomen, 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 aggression.
• Prolonged or painful erection.
• Sleep apnea: Loud snoring, waking up with gasps due to shortness of breath during sleep, daytime sleepiness.
• Stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness of 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.
• Increased suicidal thoughts and depression.

Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist:

Even if these are not serious, if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor :

• Acne.
• Change in sexual desire or function.
• There is some itching and redness on the skin where the medicine is applied.
• Unexpected growth of breast tissue.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

How should I store the medicine?

It is also very important to store this medicine properly.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• This medicine can be abused , so keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft.
• Never share this medicine with anyone else . Selling or giving this medicine to anyone else is dangerous and illegal.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius) . Keep closed until ready to use.
• Protect from heat and light .
• This medicine is flammable . Therefore, keep it away from fire, flames, and smoking.
• Throw away expired medicine .

The most important things for you to remember

Okay, so let's take a quick look at some of the things you need to remember from what we've talked about:

• `(Testosterone)` gel is for external use only . Do not take by mouth.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying.
• Cover the wound with a cloth after applying the medicine. This is very important to prevent spreading the medicine to others.
• Pregnant women, those trying to become pregnant, or nursing mothers should not come into contact with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any medications you are taking .
• If you experience any new side effects, tell your doctor .
• Keep the medicine safely out of the reach of children .

This is just a summary. If you have any further questions, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. They will be able to help you.