Action of Testosterones,Treatment with testosterone and its congeners is complicated by the fact that the exogenous supply of the hormone may depress secretion of the natural hormone through inhibitory effects on the pituitary. Too large a dose may cause permanent damage. Treatment is usually associated with a feeling of well-being. Following PO use, 44% of testosterone is cleared by the liver in the first pass. Thus, the parenteral forms are used. t1/2, testosterone cypionate after IM: 8 days. Ninety percent is excreted through the urine as metabolites and 6% is excreted through the feces. Testosterone and testosterone propionate are considered short-acting; testosterone enanthate and testosterone cypionate are long-acting.
Following use of Testoderm on the scrotal skin: Maximum serum levels: 2-4 hr with return to baseline in about 2 hr after system is removed. Serum levels reach a plateau in 3-4 weeks. Will not produce sufficient serum levels if applied to nongenital skin. Following use of Androderm to nonscrotal skin, there is continual absorption over 24 hr. Application of two systems at 10:00 p.m. results in serum testosterone levels similar to normal circadian variation with maximum levels occurring in the early morning hours and minimum levels in the evening...
SIDE EFFECTS: Hepatic: Liver toxicity is the most serious side effect. Jaundice, cholestasis, alterations in BSP retention, AST, and ALT. Rarely, hepatic necrosis, hepatocellular neoplasms peliosis hepatis, acute intermittent porphyria in clients with this disease. GI: N&V, diarrhea, anorexia, symptoms of peptic ulcer. CNS: Headache, anxiety, increased or decreased libido, insomnia, excitation, paresthesias, sleep apnea syndrome, CNS hemorrhage chills, choreiform movements, habituation, confusion (toxic doses). GU: Testicular atrophy with inhibition of testicular function (e.g., oligospermia), impotence, epididymitis, irritable bladder, prepubertal phallic enlargement, gynecomastia. Electrolyte: Retention of sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, phosphates. Edema. Miscellaneous: Acne, flushing, suppression of clotting factors (II, V, VII, X), polycythemia, leukopenia, rashes, dermatitis, anaphylaxis (rare) muscle cramps, hypercholesterolemia, male-pattern baldness, acne, seborrhea, hirsutism. Hypercalcemia, especially in immobilized clients or those with metastatic breast carcinoma. Virilization in women.
In females, menstrual irregularities (including amenorrhea), virilization, clitoral enlargement, hirsutism, increased libido, baldness (male pattern), virilization of external genitalia of female fetus.
In males, decreased ejaculatory volume, oligospermia (high doses), gynecomastia, increased frequency and duration of penile erections.
In children, disturbances of growth, premature closure of epiphyses, precocious sexual development.
Inflammation and pain at site of IM or SC injection.
NOTE: Side effects of the cypionate and enanthate products are not readily reversible due to the long duration of action of these dosage forms.
The patch may cause itching, irritation, erythema, or discomfort of the scrotum (Testoderm) or on skin areas where applied (Androderm). Potentially, small amounts of testosterone may be transferred to a sex partner.
POLJAFFA THIS IS FROM HEALTHDIGEST.ORG