Your doctor may have prescribed this injection as a treatment for low testosterone levels in your body. When that happens, it's normal for questions to come to your mind. "What does this do?", "How do I use it?", "Are there any side effects?" You may be wondering. So don't worry, today we'll talk about everything in a simple and friendly way.
What is this medicine called testosterone?
Simply put, testosterone is a male hormone. This medicine belongs to the group of androgen hormones. When the testosterone level in your body decreases due to certain medical reasons, this medicine is used to bring it back to the right level. `(XYOSTED)` is just one of the names of this medicine in the market.
The most important thing is that this is a medication that should only be taken on medical advice . For no reason should you go and use these just because you see a friend using them or because someone else told you to.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
It is important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition to decide if this medication is right for you. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor before starting treatment.
| Situation you need to report | Description |
|---|---|
| Any cancer (especially prostate or breast) | Because some cancers are hormone-dependent, this medicine may make them worse. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure | This medication can increase blood pressure and affect the heart. |
| Diabetes | Testosterone can affect blood sugar levels, so the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted. |
| Kidney, liver, or lung disease | The doctor should be aware of this as it may affect the functioning of these organs. |
| Depression or suicidal thoughts | This medication can sometimes affect mental status, so special care should be taken with it. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to testosterone, sesame oil, or other medications or foods. |
| If your partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important. This hormone can harm the unborn baby. |
How do you use this injection?
This is a subcutaneous injection . If you want to give yourself this injection, your doctor or a trained nurse will show you how to do it properly.
- Use exactly as directed: Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, exactly as your doctor tells you. Never take more than the prescribed amount or take it more frequently.
- What if you miss a dose?: If you miss a dose, 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 two doses at the same time. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
- What to do with used injectors: Never throw used needles and syringes (injectors) in the trash . They should be placed in a sharps container specifically designed for this purpose. If you don't have one, you can ask your doctor for one.
- 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.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications you are taking may interact with this testosterone. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Be especially careful with the following medications:
- Some medicines taken for colds or nasal congestion (e.g. `ephedrine`, `phenylephrine`, `pseudoephedrine`)
- Medicines that prevent or treat blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)
- Medications for diabetes
- Steroid-type medications (e.g. prednisone or cortisone)
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
Regular medical check-up
While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will check you regularly. He or she may also need to do blood tests to check your testosterone levels.
Heart attack and stroke risk
This is very important. Some people using this medicine have reported heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, if you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical advice immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU).
- Difficulty breathing
- Vision changes
- Confusion
- Chest pain or tightness
- Sudden pain in the hand
- Severe, sudden headache
- Difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are dangerous, some are normal. Let's break them down into their different types.
| 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, feeling hot, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, fainting. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, changes in mood (irritability, depression), prolonged painful sexual arousal, sleep apnea, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet, and suicidal thoughts. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Acne formation | (Acne) |
| Changes in sexual desire | (Change in sex drive) |
| Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site | (Irritation at application site) |
| Breast tissue growth | (Unexpected breast tissue growth) |
Take-Home Message
- Testosterone is a hormone that is used only on the recommendation of a doctor, for specific medical conditions. Never use it without medical advice.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Learn how to give the injection correctly from a medical professional. Do not share your injector with others.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden weakness, go to an emergency room (ETU) immediately.
- It is very important to maintain regular contact with your doctor and attend clinics as scheduled.
- Dispose of used needles and syringes properly in a "sharps container".
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න