Depo Testosterone

Testosterone belongs to the class of medications called androgens (male hormones). Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) is used to replace testosterone in men who have conditions caused by low testosterone levels, such as Erectile Dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection). There are other possible causes for erectile dysfunction, so testosterone is only used to treat erectile dysfunction that is caused by low testosterone.

Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) works by replacing the testosterone that the body is missing. Testosterone Cypionate should only be used if testosterone deficiency has been confirmed by symptoms and blood tests.

Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual adult dose of testosterone cypionate in men is 200 mg every two weeks, to a maximum of 400 mg per month. It is given as an injection into the gluteal muscle (buttocks) by a doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive testosterone cypionate, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Store Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Acne
• aggressive behaviour
• dizziness
• enlarged prostate
• hair loss, thinning hair, or baldness
• headache
• mood changes
• sleep disturbances caused by breathing problems (Sleep Apnea)
• skin irritation or redness at the injection site
• weight gain

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• breast soreness or enlargement
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• problems with urination (change in frequency or colour, dribbling, pain or straining when urinating, weak urine stream, small urine amounts)
• prolonged (more than 4 hours) or painful erections, or erections that happen too often
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of a blood clot in the arm or leg (tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the arm or leg) or lungs (difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain that is worst when breathing in, coughing, coughing up blood, sweating, or passing out)
• swelling of ankles and legs (for people with heart, liver, or kidney problems)
• symptoms of liver problems, such as:
• abdominal pain
• dark urine
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• pale stools
• yellow eyes or skin

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a Heart Attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)

• signs of Stroke (e.g., sudden or severe headache; sudden loss of coordination; vision changes; sudden slurring of speech; or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg)
• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as:
• difficulty breathing
• Hives
• rash
• swollen face or throat

Each mL of injectable solution contains 100 mg of testosterone cypionate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, and cottonseed oil.

Do not use Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate) if you:

• are allergic to testosterone or any ingredients of the medication
• are female (especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding)
• have, or are suspected to have, prostate or Breast Cancer

There may be an interaction between testosterone cypionate and any of the following:

• adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
• corticosteroids (e.g., Hydrocortisone, Prednisone, Methylprednisolone)
• Cyclosporine
• dehydroepiandrosterone
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Nateglinide, Rosiglitazone)
• Propranolol
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Depo Testosterone (Testosterone-cypionate). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.