What Is Testim Gel?

Testim gel is a testosterone replacement gel that provides more testosterone for men who do not produce enough, which is a condition called "hypogonadism." Testim gel can only be prescribed by your doctor and is not available over-the-counter. Testim gel should only be used by the patient it is prescribed for and should not be used by children. If you are interested in obtaining a prescription for Testim gel, contact your doctor.

History

• The first skin application testosterone treatment was Testoderm, approved by the FDA in 1997, which was a testosterone patch applied to the testicle. According to Dr. Gary Pepper, the Testoderm patch was not popular because of the inconvenience and discomfort of the patch placement. The first gel testosterone treatment was Androgel, approved by the FDA in 1999, soon followed by Testim's approval in 2002. According to Dr. Pepper, men have the highest success rate with gel testosterone treatments because of the ease of use. In 2009, the FDA required both Testim and Androgel to include printed warnings on their box stating that children could suffer negative side effects should they come into accidental contact with Testim gel after numerous reports from users who have children.

Directions

• Your doctor may provide specific dosing instructions for you, so you should check the instructions on your prescription bottle before following the directions given here. For most patients, Testim gel should be applied to dry, clean skin on the upper arms and shoulders. Allow the gel to dry for about five minutes. Do not allow the gel to come into contact with your genitals or open cuts or sores. After the gel has dried, place a shirt over the gel to prevent other people from coming in contact with it. Wait six hours before showering or swimming. If you missed a dose of Testim gel, take the dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Then continue taking your dosage as usual.

Indications

• Testim gel is only intended for use in men. Do not use Testim if you are under the age of 18. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the gel to limit Testim gel coming in contact with other people. Do not use or come into skin contact with Testim if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Men should wear a shirt to bed and inform their partners that they are using Testim gel so they do not come in contact with the patient's shoulders or upper arms.

Cautions

• Testim gel should be used with caution in the elderly, people with sleep apnea, decreased kidney or liver function, heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, a disorder in which the blood does not correctly flow to the heart, hypertension and high blood pressure, a history of migraines, epilepsy, diabetes, skeletal metastases (which is when cancer that has spread to the bones), lung disease, or people who are obese. Children who come into contact with Testim gel could suffer negative side effects. According to the FDA, side effects in children exposed to Testim gel include "inappropriate enlargement of the genitalia, premature development of pubic hair, advanced bone age, increased libido and aggressive behavior."

Side Effects

• Side effects associated with Testim gel include skin reactions around the shoulders and upper arms, reddening of the skin, acne, headaches, diarrhea, dry skin, mood swings, depression, breast pain, pins and needles in the extremities, enlargement of breasts in men, dizziness, memory loss, water retention, prostate disorders, salt retention, hair loss, memory loss, painful erections, prostate disorders, fluid retention, jaundice or yellowing of the skin, decreased sperm count, and increased red blood cell levels.

Warnings

• Testim gel should not be ingested or used more than indicated. If overdose is suspected, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately and go to the emergency room. If you are experiencing symptoms like blurred vision, slurred speech, or numbness on one side of the face, you may have accidentally taken too much Testim gel. Call your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following severe side effects: A change in the size or shape of the testicles, appetite loss, excessive tiredness during the day, dark urine, painful erections, interrupted breathing while sleeping, memory problems, mood changes like depression, nausea, trouble urinating, pale stools, stomach pain, skin discoloration, ankle or leg swelling, weight gain, vomiting or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).