Drug Notes

Testosterone (Between cheek and gum)

Testosterone (tes-TOS-ter-one)

Treats low testosterone levels. Testosterone is a male hormone.

Brand Name(s):

Striant

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Patch

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• This medicine looks like a tablet, but it sticks to your gum like a patch. To use the patch:
  • Put the flat side of the patch on your fingertip. Place the patch against your gum and to the left or right of your front teeth. Gently push it up as high as it will go. Then press on the patch from the outside of your lip for at least 30 seconds. The patch should stick to your gum.
  • Do not chew or swallow the patch.
  • Each time you put in a new patch, put it on the opposite side from where you put the last one.
  • Keep the patch in your mouth all the time, unless you are changing patches. Check to make sure the patch is still in place after you eat or drink, use mouthwash, or brush your teeth.
  • To remove a patch, use your finger to gently loosen it. Then slide it down over your teeth and take it out.
  • Use this medicine 2 times a day, once in the morning and once in the evening (about 12 hours apart), unless your doctor tells you differently.
• Missed dose: If the patch falls off within the first 8 hours , take it out and put in a new one. Put in the next patch at the regular time. If the patch falls off after more than 8 hours , take it out and put in a new one. This will count as your next dose, and the patch can stay in place for 12 hours.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine in a safe place. Do not give it to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how testosterone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Insulin
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, heart disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, a history of heart attack or stroke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of prostate cancer
  • Blood clot in your leg or lung
  • Possible increased risk of heart attack or stroke
  • Lower sperm count
• This medicine is not indicated for use in women and should never be used by a pregnant woman.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, trouble urinating
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, unusual sweating, faintness
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Pain, redness, or swelling in your arm or leg
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Gum pain, tenderness, or swelling
• More erections than usual or erections that last a long time
• Swollen breasts

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017