Testosterone Depot general information

Testosterone is a naturally occurring sex hormone that is produced in a man's testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are also produced in a woman's ovaries and adrenal system

Testosterone injection is used in men and boys to treat conditions caused by a lack of this hormone, such as delayed puberty, impotence, or other hormonal imbalances. Testosterone injection is also used in women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Testosterone injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Testosterone Depot dosage and administration

Testosterone injection is given as an shot into a muscle of your buttocks. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. Testosterone injection is usually given every 2 to 4 weeks.

The number of months you need to use testosterone injection will depend on the condition being treated.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Testosterone injection can affect bone growth in boys who are treated for delayed puberty. Bone development may need to be checked with x-rays every 6 months during treatment.

Testosterone Depot side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• increased or ongoing erection of the penis;
• bone pain, increased thirst, memory problems, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, loss of appetite, increased urination, weakness, muscle twitching; or
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Women receiving testosterone injection may develop male characteristics, which could be irreversible if testosterone treatment is continued. Call your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs of excess testosterone:

• acne;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• male-pattern hair growth (such as on the chin or chest);
• male pattern baldness;
• enlarged clitoris; or
• increase or decrease in sex drive.

Less serious side effects may include:

• breast swelling in men;
• headache, anxiety, depressed mood;
• numbness or tingly feeling; or
• pain or swelling where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.