Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Topic Contents
Androgel Topical Gel 1% (2.5 grams) (TESTOSTERONE GEL - TRANSDERMAL)
This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- gender dysphoria
- hormonal disorder
- decreased appetite
Instructions
DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.
Apply the medicine to clean, intact, dry skin on the shoulder, upper arm, or abdomen. Allow the medicine to dry completely before it touches any clothing.
Wash the area and allow the skin to dry completely (10-15 minutes) before using this medicine.
Follow the instructions on the package to use this medicine correctly.
If you are using the single-dose packets, throw away any medicine left in the open packets after you have used it. Do not save to use later.
Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.
Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.
Do not apply other lotions, creams or gels to the same place you apply this medicine.
Do not use on damaged or irritated skin, or skin that has not healed.
Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after handling the medicine.
If medicine gets in your eyes, rinse well with cool water.
Do not shower, bathe, or swim for at least 5 hours after applying the medicine.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
This medicine is flammable. Do not use it near heaters, open flame or while smoking. Do not crush, puncture, or burn container.
Cautions
This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.
This medicine is not safe for women or children. Wash the area where you applied this medication thoroughly before you have skin to skin contact with another person. Keep clothing that has touched the medicine away from women, children, and pets until they can be washed in warm water.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
This medicine may reduce sperm count.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
You may need to increase the dose gradually to reduce the risk of side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
If you have a painful erection or an erection for more than 4 hours, seek medical care right away.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- acne
- dizziness
- hair loss
- headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- problems with sexual functions or desire
- change in skin color
- skin irritation where medicine is applied
- oily skin
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- anger or hostile feelings
- breast pain or swelling
- breathing interruption during sleep
- chest pain
- confusion
- depression or feeling sad
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- fast or irregular heart beats
- sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mood changes
- shortness of breath
- increased urinary frequency
- difficulty or discomfort urinating
- blurring or changes of vision
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use.
More information about TESTOSTERONE GEL - TRANSDERMAL
Copyright(c) 2024 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.