DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Testosterone Cypionate Injection (tes-TOS-ter-ohn)
Brand Name: Depo-Testosterone

Depo-Testosterone is used for:

Treating symptoms of low testosterone in men when the body does not make any testosterone or not enough testosterone (hypogonadism). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Depo-Testosterone is a male sex hormone. It works by replacing or supplementing the testosterone that is naturally made in the body.

Do NOT use Depo-Testosterone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Depo-Testosterone
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• you have breast cancer and are male; known or suspected prostate cancer; or serious heart, liver, or kidney problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Depo-Testosterone :

Some medical conditions may interact with Depo-Testosterone . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, angina (chest pain), high cholesterol levels, swelling (edema), lung disease, or sleep apnea (long pauses in breathing while you sleep)
• if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate, kidney or liver disease, high blood calcium levels, or obesity

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Depo-Testosterone . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Carbamazepine, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), or oxyphenbutazone because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Depo-Testosterone
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), insulin, or oral hypoglycemics (eg, glyburide) because their side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by Depo-Testosterone
• Propranolol because its effectiveness may be decreased by Depo-Testosterone

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Depo-Testosterone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Depo-Testosterone :

Use Depo-Testosterone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Depo-Testosterone is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Depo-Testosterone at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Depo-Testosterone . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Depo-Testosterone if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Depo-Testosterone , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Depo-Testosterone .

Important safety information:

• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Depo-Testosterone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Diabetes patients - Depo-Testosterone may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Depo-Testosterone may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Depo-Testosterone .
• Lab tests, including liver function, blood cell counts, blood cholesterol, prostatic specific antigen, bone growth, and blood testosterone, may be performed while you use Depo-Testosterone . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Depo-Testosterone with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
• Depo-Testosterone should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Depo-Testosterone has benzyl alcohol in it. Do not use it in NEWBORNS or INFANTS. It may cause serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Using Depo-Testosterone while pregnant may cause harm to the fetus. It is not known if Depo-Testosterone is found in breast milk. Depo-Testosterone should not be used by women.

Possible side effects of Depo-Testosterone :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Acne; bitter or strange taste in mouth; change in sex drive; fatigue; gum or mouth irritation; gum pain; gum tenderness or swelling; hair loss; headache.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast growth or pain; change in the size or shape of the testicles; dark urine or light-colored bowel movements; depression or mood changes; dizziness; gingivitis; interrupted breathing while sleeping; loss of appetite; nausea; painful or prolonged erection; stomach pain; swelling of the ankles or legs; urination problems; weight gain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; one-sided weakness; vision problems.

Proper storage of Depo-Testosterone :

Store Depo-Testosterone at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Depo-Testosterone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Depo-Testosterone , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Depo-Testosterone is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Depo-Testosterone . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.