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From: www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/
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Health and Nutrition > Medicines > T

Testosterone Scrotal Patches (discontinued in the UK - January 2002)




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.
  • There is no information regarding the use of this medicine in children and adolescents under the age of 18.
  • The patch should be applied to clean, dry, shaved scrotal skin in the morning and replaced after 24 hours. The patch can be removed for up to two hours each day, for example during showering.
  • The patch should not be worn during showering, bathing or swimming.
  • Blood levels of testosterone should be measured before and during treatment.
  • Use with caution in

  • Cancer with has spread from its original site to the bones (skeletal metastases)
  • Elderly people
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Not to be used in

  • Breast cancer in men
  • Cancer of the prostate
  • Children
  • 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.

  • Prostate abnormalities
  • Increased sex drive (libido)
  • Sodium and water retention
  • Skin reactions such as itching, irritation, redness and rash
  • 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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