posted May 17, 2000 05:20 PM            

BRAND NAME(S): Testoderm�

WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE:

Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to testosterone. Testosterone patches should be used by men only and should not be used by women. Testosterone may cause birth defects if taken during a pregnancy. Men should not take testosterone if they have breast cancer or prostate cancer.

HOW TO TAKE AND STORE THIS MEDICINE

Scrotal patch:

� The medicine is contained inside of the patch and is slowly absorbed into your body through your scrotum.

� The following information is about the Testoderm� brand only. If your doctor prescribed the Androderm� brand of this medicine, you will need a different information sheet. The instructions are not the same for the 2 brands.

� The usual dose of Testoderm� is 1 patch put on your scrotum at the same time every day. Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use and how often.

� Before putting the patch on, dry shave (no soap or water) your scrotal area. Do not use a chemical hair remover.

� The patch is sealed in a pouch. Carefully tear open the pouch. Do not cut it open.

� A plastic liner is on one side of the patch. Carefully pull the liner off of the patch.

� Warm the patch before you put it on. You can use a blow dryer or hold the patch near a light bulb. Put the shiny side (not the cloth side) of the patch on a clean dry area of your scrotum.

� Press the patch against your scrotum with the palm of your hand and hold for about 10 seconds. The patch must lie flat against your skin.

� Put on a pair of undershorts or briefs to help hold the patch in place.

� Take the patch off before you swim or bathe. Warm the patch and put it back on a dry area of your scrotum when you are done.

� Store the patches at room temperature, away from heat or direct light. Keep the patches in the pouches until you are ready to use them.

� Throw the used patches away so that children or pets cannot get to them. The used patch may still have enough medicine in it to be harmful.

� Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

If you miss a dose:

� Put on a new patch as soon as possible, then go back to your regular schedule.

DRUGS AND FOODS TO AVOID:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine, including over-the-counter products.

� Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking a blood thinner (such as Coumadin�) or medicine to treat diabetes.

WARNINGS:

� Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate, high cholesterol, or heart, liver, or kidney disease.

� Because the patch is worn on the scrotum, some of the medicine may get on the skin of your partner during sex. If your female partner starts to have male-like changes such as hair growth on her face or acne, tell your doctor. Talk with your doctor if your sexual partner is pregnant.

SIDE EFFECTS

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

� Yellowing of skin or eyes

� Swelling in feet or ankles

If you have problems with these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor.

� Swollen breasts

� Itching, red, or irritated skin where the patch is put on

� Erections too often or that last too long

� Acne

� Upset stomach

IF YOU HAVE OTHER SIDE EFFECTS THAT YOU THINK ARE CAUSED BY THIS MEDICINE, TELL YOUR DOCTOR.