How does it work?

Testosterone is a naturally occurring male hormone known as an androgen. It is produced by the testicles and is the main hormone essential for normal growth and development of the male sex organs and male sexual characteristics. During adult life, testosterone is essential for the production of sperm, the maintenance of sex drive, erectile potency, and the functioning of the prostate gland and other reproductive structures. The natural production of testosterone is controlled by another set of hormones called gonadotrophins, which are released from the pituitary gland in the brain. Low levels of testosterone can cause impotence, decreased sex drive, decreased mental and physical activity, infertility due to decreased sperm production and bone loss. Testosterone is given as replacement therapy when natural testosterone levels are too low. This occurs following castration, or may be due to decreased functioning of the testicles (hypogonadism or eunuchoidism). This can be caused by testicular disease or a deficiency in gonadotrophin production by the pituitary gland. Testosterone supplementation therefore allows the return of normal sexual functioning, and is useful in the treatment of impotence and infertility caused by low testosterone levels.

What is it used for?

Replacement therapy of low testosterone levels in men

Warning!

Men should have regular prostate examinations during treatment with this medicine.

If frequent or persistent erections occur consult your doctor.

The patch should be applied at approximately 10pm and worn for 24 hours. This allows the patch to release testosterone in a manner mimicking the body's natural production of testosterone.

The patch should be applied to a clean, dry area of skin on the back, abdomen, upper arms or thighs. Avoid bony areas such as shoulders and hips that may be subjected to prolonged pressure during sleeping or sitting, as this may cause burn-like reactions of the skin.

The patch should be changed every 24 hours, with the site of application rotated. Leave an interval of seven days before using the same site again.

Do not apply to the scrotum, or to broken or damaged skin.

Use with caution in

Cancer with has spread from its original site to the bones (skeletal metastases)

Elderly people

Epilepsy

Heart disease

High blood pressure

History of migraines

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Not to be used in

A syndrome caused by kidney inflammation, characterised by a large amount of protein in the urine, swelling, weight gain and high blood pressure (nephrotic syndrome)

Breast cancer in men

Cancer of the prostate

Children less than 15 years of age

High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia)

Women

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is for use by men only. It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Increased hair growth (hirsutism)

Prostate abnormalities

Decreased sperm count (oligospermia)

Changes in sex drive

Sodium and water retention

Skin reactions such as itching, irritation, redness and rash

Excessive frequency and duration of erections

Burn-like skin reactions with blistering and ulceration

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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