Pharmacology of testosterone replacement therapy preparations

Pharmacology of testosterone replacement therapy preparations

The 1% transdermal testosterone gel was able to increase serum testosterone to the upper range of normal after a few days of use and maintain levels with repeated daily use. The range of levels between the two doses illustrates the flexibility available with transdermal testosterone gel (30). Older observational studies suggested that long term testosterone use could increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Also testosterone is known to stimulate growth of prostate cancer in men diagnosed with the condition. Recent clinical trials, which provide more accurate information compared to observational studies, have provided some comfort around both the heart and prostate cancer risks. For men who clearly have testosterone deficiency, there is no apparent increased risk of heart attack or stroke or greater chance of developing a new prostate cancer from testosterone replacement therapy.

Products may also need to be switched throughout TRT based upon patient response, preference, and adverse effects. In all circumstances, the decisions should be an open dialogue between the patient and clinician to allow for the most successful TRT regimen. Historically, oral administration of physiological testosterone (Figure 1A) has been proven unsuccessful due to extensive first pass metabolism through the liver despite having good gastrointestinal absorption. Ingestion of supra-physiological doses was required to overcome this and allow for measurable amounts in the serum (10). Alkylation of testosterone at carbon 17α resulted in 17α-methyltestosterone (Figure 1B) with the ability to bypass first pass metabolism. However, this modification caused significant liver toxicity and lowering of HDL cholesterol (11). Esterification at carbon 17β yielded testosterone undecanoate (TU) (Figure 2A) which is absorbed via the lymphatic system and also bypasses liver degradation.

The effects of testosterone on red blood cell formation (hemoglobin and hematocrit) are dose dependent (14, 82, 83) while higher age is also a factor (44). The effects are apparent after 3 months (14, 35, 40) and a maximum is reached after 9–12 months (35). Similarly, effects of testosterone administration in hypogonadal men on the ability to process spatial data of visual content were observed within 2 weeks of treatment (80).

Subq is more common route to take all injection medication because it’s not as uncomfortable and has a smaller needle for the injection. The medication will work in your body the same way regardless of taking it subq or intra. Depo-Testosterone is the brand-name version of testosterone cypionate. 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. The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine.

Before using testosterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sesame oil in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. While less common, the most serious side effects of testosterone are there any side effects to taking testosterone described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it. Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring your dose and using the syringe before using this medicine.

It’s also possible that these conditions cause low testosterone levels, so treatment might result in increase of testosterone levels. Compounded testosterone injections are a prescription medication prescribed specifically for a person by a healthcare provider. They are prepared by a pharmacist based on a healthcare provider’s instructions and a person’s unique needs. Testosterone is a hormone that your sex organs mainly produce.

Combined clinical trials data report the overall incidence of any application site reactions as 48% with pruritus being most common (24). Topical corticosteroid application to the affected area is recommended for alleviation of symptoms (24). Advantages to transdermal patch use include non-invasive, easy application, quick reversal after removal, and normal circadian pattern of testosterone. Risk of transference to others is not concerning as there is an occlusive backing film on the patch system preventing others from contact with the active ingredient.