Health Centres - Striant SR (testosterone)
How does it work?
Striant SR tablets contain the active ingredient testosterone, which is the same as the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone.
Testosterone is 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.
The natural production of testosterone is controlled by another set of hormones called gonadotrophins, which are released from the pituitary gland in the brain.
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. It also has functions in the skin, muscles, skeleton, kidney, liver, bone marrow and central nervous system.
Low levels of testosterone can cause decreased sex drive, impotence, infertility due to decreased sperm production, decreased mental and physical activity, fatigue and weakening of bones.
Testosterone is given as replacement therapy when natural testosterone levels fall too low, causing symptoms such as those above. Natural testosterone levels fall with age and following surgical removal of the testicles (castration). They may also fall due to decreased functioning of the testicles (hypogonadism or eunuchoidism) caused by testicular disease, or by decreased gonadotrophin production by the pituitary gland, as a result of pituitary disease.
Testosterone replacement allows natural testosterone levels to return to normal, thus relieving the symptoms of the deficiency.
Striant SR tablets are designed to be stuck to the gums in the mouth. The testosterone is slowly released from the tablet and is absorbed into the bloodstream through the areas of gum and cheek that are in contact with the tablet.
The rounded side of the tablet should be placed in a comfortable position against the gum, just above either of the incisor teeth. (Use alternate sides of the mouth with each application.) Hold the tablet firmly in place with a finger over the lip and against the tablet for 30 seconds to ensure that it has stuck to the gum. The tablet is designed to stay in place until it is removed after 12 hours. To remove the tablet, gently slide it downwards from the gum towards the tooth to avoid scratching the gum.
It is recommended that the tablet is applied in the morning and evening after brushing the teeth.
What is it used for?
- Replacement therapy of low testosterone levels in men.
Warning!
- Striant SR tablets should not be chewed or swallowed, as they will not be effective if taken this way. They should be stuck to the gum as described above.
- If the tablet fails to stick properly to the gum or falls off during the 12 hour dosing interval, the old tablet should be removed and a new one applied.
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