Health Library

Testosterone (By injection)

Testosterone (tes-TOS-ter-one)

Treats low or no testosterone levels. Also treats breast cancer in women and delayed puberty in male teenagers.

Brand Name(s):

Aveed, Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone, Depo-Testosterone Novaplus, Testone CIK, Xyosted

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle in the buttocks. Xyosted™ is given as a shot under your skin in the stomach area.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Xyosted™:
  • You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
  • Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. It should be colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use the medicine if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

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:
  • Oxyphenbutazone
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Insulin or oral diabetes medicine
  • Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, blood vessel or heart disease, heart failure, high cholesterol, lung disease, obesity, sleep apnea, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High blood pressure
  • Serious lung reaction called pulmonary oil embolism (may be life-threatening)
  • Increased risk of prostate cancer
  • Increased number of red blood cells
  • Blood clot in your leg or lung
  • Slow growth in children
  • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
  • Liver problems
  • Changes in mood or behavior
• 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.
• This medicine may lower your sperm count (with large doses). Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
• 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, cough, trouble breathing, dizziness, tightening of your throat, unusual sweating
• 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
• Unusual mood or behavior, thoughts of killing oneself
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

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

• Acne, hoarse voice, facial hair growth (women)
• Changes in menstrual periods
• More erections than usual or erections that last a long time
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Swollen breasts (men)

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: 9/6/2024