Depo-Testosterone

Generic Name: testosterone injection (tes TOS ter one)

Brand Names: Andro LA 200, Delatestryl, Depandro 100, Depo-Testosterone, Testosterone Cypionate, Testosterone Enanthate

What is Depo-Testosterone (testosterone injection)?

Testosterone is a naturally occurring sex hormone that is produced in a man's testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are also produced in a woman's ovaries and adrenal system.

Testosterone injection is used in men and boys to treat conditions caused by a lack of this hormone, such as delayed puberty, impotence, or other hormonal imbalances. Testosterone injection is also used in women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Testosterone injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Depo-Testosterone (testosterone injection)?

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby if it is used by a woman during pregnancy. Do not receive testosterone injection if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not receive this medication if you have prostate cancer, male breast cancer, if you are pregnant, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a hormone treatment.

Before receiving testosterone injection, tell your doctor if you have benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, high cholesterol, any type of cancer, liver or kidney disease, or heart disease, coronary artery disease, or a history of heart attack.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving Depo-Testosterone (testosterone injection)?

You should not receive this medication if you have:

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  prostate cancer;

  
  


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  male breast cancer;

  
  


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  if you are pregnant; or

  
  


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  if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a hormone treatment.

  
  

Before receiving testosterone injection, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

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  benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH);

  
  


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  any type of cancer;

  
  


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  high cholesterol;

  
  


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  a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

  
  


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  liver or kidney disease; or

  
  


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  heart disease, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), congestive heart failure, or a history of heart attack.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use testosterone injection.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not receive testosterone injection if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medication. It is not known whether testosterone injection passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is testosterone injection given?

Testosterone injection is given as an shot into a muscle of your buttocks. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. Testosterone injection is usually given every 2 to 4 weeks.

The number of months you need to use testosterone injection will depend on the condition being treated.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Testosterone injection can affect bone growth in boys who are treated for delayed puberty. Bone development may need to be checked with x-rays every 6 months during treatment.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor if you miss an appointment for your testosterone injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

An overdose of testosterone injection is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while receiving Depo-Testosterone (testosterone injection)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using testosterone injection.

Depo-Testosterone (testosterone injection) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  swelling, rapid weight gain;

  
  


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  increased or ongoing erection of the penis;

  
  


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  bone pain, increased thirst, memory problems, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, loss of appetite, increased urination, weakness, muscle twitching; or

  
  


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  nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

  
  

Women receiving testosterone injection may develop male characteristics, which could be irreversible if testosterone treatment is continued. Call your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs of excess testosterone:

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  acne;

  
  


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  changes in your menstrual periods;

  
  


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  male-pattern hair growth (such as on the chin or chest);

  
  


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  male pattern baldness;

  
  


• enlarged clitoris; or


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  increase or decrease in sex drive.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  breast swelling in men;

  
  


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  headache, anxiety, depressed mood;

  
  


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  numbness or tingly feeling; or

  
  


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  pain or swelling where the medicine was injected.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Depo-Testosterone (testosterone injection)?

Before receiving testosterone injection, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

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  the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin);

  
  


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  insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth such as glimepiride (Amaryl, Duetact, Avandaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), metformin (Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Fortamet, Glucophage Janumet), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others; or

  
  


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  steroid medicine such as methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others), and others.

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with testosterone injection. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Depo-Testosterone resources

• Depo-Testosterone Side Effects (in more detail)
• Depo-Testosterone Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Depo-Testosterone Drug Interactions
• Depo-Testosterone Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Depo-Testosterone - Add your own review/rating

• Depo-Testosterone MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Depo-Testosterone Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Testosterone Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Testosterone Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Testosterone Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• AndroGel Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• AndroGel Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Androderm Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Androderm Patch MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Androderm Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Androgel Consumer Overview


• Androgel Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Axiron Consumer Overview


• Axiron Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Axiron Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Delatestryl MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Delatestryl Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Fortesta Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Fortesta Consumer Overview


• Striant MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Striant Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Striant Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Striant Consumer Overview


• Testim Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Testim Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Testosterone Cypionate Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Testosterone Enanthate Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Depo-Testosterone with other medications

• Breast Cancer, Palliative
• Delayed Puberty, Male
• Hypogonadism, Male
• Postpartum Breast Pain

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about testosterone injection.

See also: Depo-Testosterone side effects (in more detail)