What is this medicine?
Testosterone (tes-TOS-ter-one)
- Testosterone is a sex hormone and may be given to patients who no longer produce a sufficient amount on their own.
- It may be used to reduce the symptoms of hypogonadism (erectile dysfunction, infertility, decrease in beard and body hair growth, decrease in muscle mass, development of breast tissue, or loss of bone mass).
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
- Testosterone is an anabolic steroid and a controlled substance.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (de-hydro-EPEE-an-draw-stir-own) DHEA
- DHEA is a hormone that may be given to patients who no longer produce a sufficient amount on their own.
- It may be used to maintain healthy bones.
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Compounded Drug Forms: Injection
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to testosterone
- Allergy to DHEA
- Allergy to grapeseed oil
- Active genital cancers such as breast, prostate, and uterine cancers
- Pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.
- Heart, kidney or liver disease or problems
- Blood sugar problems
- Mental health problems
- Uterine or ovarian problems
- Recent TB Vaccine
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Taking medications that may result increase bleeding risk
- Hirsutism or acne
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by Belmar Pharma Solutions and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
Injectable medications should be given subcutaneously or intramuscularly as indicated by your healthcare provider. See recommended administration guide for further instruction.
What if I miss a dose?
- If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take double the dose at once.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Belmar Pharma Solutions recommends yearly checkups with your provider including, but not limited to, a hormone level test, periodic liver and renal function tests, hemoglobin and hematocrit, and lipid panel. Monitor blood pressure regularly.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Possible side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Headache
- Acne
- Diarrhea
- Stomach upset
- Emotional instability
- Loss of strength and energy
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in hair growth
- Changes in taste
- Voice deepening
- Breast tenderness
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Testes problems
Serious Side Effects: Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- High blood pressure (e.g., bad headache, dizziness, fainting, or change in eyesight)
- Signs of high calcium levels (e.g., weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, constipation, bone pain, vomiting, or upset stomach)
- Erections that happen often or last a long time (more than 4 hours)
- Signs of low blood sugar
- Passing urine more often or trouble passing urine
- Enlarged/painful breasts
- Trouble breathing while sleeping
- Change in the color of your skin
- Shortness of breath
- Significant shifts in mood or behavior
- Signs of liver problems
- Increase in prostate specific antigen
- Signs of polycythemia/erythrocytosis (increase in hematocrit or hemoglobin)
- Excessive weight gain
- Swelling in the arms or legs
- Menstrual changes
- Change in size/shape of testicles
- Signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure: coughing up blood; trouble speaking or swallowing; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, pain in leg or arm
- One-sided weakness
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation, Breast cancer (in patients born male), known or suspected prostate cancer, pregnancy; serious cardiac, kidney or liver disease.
Where should I keep my medicine?
- Follow the storage recommendations found on your prescription label.
- Store at room temperature between 59- and 86-degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
- Protect injectables from light.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharma Solutions are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
NIOSH Drug: Observe special handling and disposal requirements.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
References:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed March 2023.
- Testosterone. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed March 2023.
