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What is AndroGel?
AndroGel is a daily testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) that can bring your T levels back to normal and keep them there. And once you get back the T you've been missing, you may experience lasting symptom relief.
AndroGel comes in an easy-to-use pump or packet. It's a clear, quick-drying, odorless gel that helps bring your T levels back to normal, if used daily. The testosterone in AndroGel is the same testosterone that your body makes naturally.
AndroGel is the #1-prescribed testosterone replacement therapy on the market. Since 2001 more than 10 million prescriptions have been written for AndroGel. AndroGel is available on most managed health care plans. So getting reimbursed is usually not a problem.
Benefits of AndroGel
In studies, most men who used AndroGel every day had their T levels restored to normal and experienced benefits over time. These benefits included:
- Improvement in energy, sexual desire, sexual function, and mood within 1 month
- More muscle mass and decreased body fat within 3 months
- Increased bone strength within 6 months in patients receiving 10 grams of AndroGel daily
However, once you stop using AndroGel, it is likely your T levels will fall below normal in just 5 days and your symptoms may come back.
* With 10 grams of AndroGel
Your Goal with Treatment
Low T is a medical condition that likely won't go away on its own. There is typically no cure for Low T. The goal of treating Low T is to raise your T levels and keep them in a normal range. Once your testosterone reaches a normal level and remains there, symptom relief may follow.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Signs of puberty that are not expected have been reported in young children who were accidentally exposed to testosterone through contact with men using AndroGel. AndroGel can transfer from the patient's body to others. This can happen if other people come into contact with the area where the AndroGel was applied. Women and children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed application area where AndroGel has been applied. Patients must strictly follow the recommended instructions for use.
AndroGel must not be used in men with breast cancer. Also, AndroGel must not be used in men that have or might have prostate cancer. In addition, AndroGel must not be used in pregnant women, those who may become pregnant, or those who are breastfeeding, since testosterone can cause harm to the unborn or breast feeding baby. Patients should not use AndroGel if they are allergic to any of the ingredients in AndroGel, including soy. AndroGel is not approved for use in women.
To lower the risk of transfer of AndroGel, patients should apply AndroGel only to areas that will be covered by a short sleeve t-shift. These areas include shoulders, upper arms, and stomach area. Patients should wash their hands right away with soap and water after applying AndroGel. After the gel has dried, patients should cover the application area with clothing. If patients expect to have skin-to-skin contact with another person the patient should first wash the application area well with soap and water. If a woman or child makes contact with the AndroGel application area, that area on the woman or child should be washed well with soap and water right away. The patient should stop using AndroGel and call their healthcare provider right away if they see any signs or symptoms in children or women that may have occurred through accidental exposure to AndroGel.
Other risks associated with the use of testosterone include prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
The most common side effects reported with use of AndroGel are acne, skin irritation where the gel is applied, increased cholesterol levels, increased prostate specific antigen, increased red blood cell count, and increased liver function tests.
AndroGel is approved for replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with low or absent testosterone in the body.
Please see full Prescribing Information including the Medication Guide.
If you have any questions about this information, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. You are encouraged to report suspected adverse reactions to Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-241-1643 or the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
© 2009 Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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