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Talk to Your Doctor about Low Testosterone
Because Low T signs and symptoms may not be clear and apparent, they may seem to be a normal part of aging or assumed to be caused by other health conditions. But talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of Low T. And ask to get tested. All it takes is a simple blood test that can be done during a routine checkup. If you do have Low T, your doctor may recommend AndroGel, a daily treatment that can help restore testosterone to normal levels and improve symptoms.
If you have diabetes, you should ask your doctor for a Low T test. The Endocrine Society recommends that all men with type 2 diabetes have their testosterone levels checked. Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes have an increased chance of also having Low T.
Doctor Discussion Guide
Doctor visits can go faster than planned, and the list of questions you had in your head before the appointment might not have gotten addressed. That's why we've created a helpful Doctor Discussion Guide. Just print it out and bring it with you on your next visit. Then you don't have to worry about remembering the questions.
- Are the symptoms I am experiencing related to Low T? (Feel free to discuss your results from the Low T Symptoms Quiz.)
- Do I have any conditions that are commonly associated with Low T?
- Can you order the blood test that measures my total testosterone and the free testosterone in my body?
- What medical treatment options are available if I have Low T?
- What is the difference between the different testosterone replacement therapies?
- How is AndroGel different from other options?
- Is AndroGel right for me?
- Are there any other changes I can make in my diet, fitness and lifestyle to help address Low T?
- Take a moment to include any additional questions you may have for your doctor.
* Be sure your doctor is aware of any prescription medications, over-the-counter medications or vitamin supplements you may be taking.
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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