Are you a Health Professional? Jump over to the doctors only platform. Click Here

Testosterone Implants

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Generic Name: Testosterone
Product Name: Testosterone Implants

Indication

Testosterone implants are given as replacement therapy when natural testosterone levels are too low. In men this occurs following castration, or may be due to decreased functioning of the testicles (hypogonadism). This can be caused by testicular disease or a deficiency in gonadotrophin production by the pituitary gland. Testosterone supplementation therefore allows the return of normal sexual functioning, and is useful in the treatment of impotence and infertility caused by low testosterone levels.Testosterone is essential for the functioning of the testes and accessory structures, and for the maintenance of libido, erectile potency, prostate and seminal vesicle function. Testosterone produces systemic effects such as increasing the retention of nitrogen, sodium, chloride and phosphate leading to an increase in skeletal weight, water retention and bone growth.

Action

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone made by the Leydig cells in the testes under the control of the anterior pituitary gland, which controls the development and maintenance of the male sex organs and the male secondary sex characteristics.

Dose advice

The recommended dose is 100 to 600mg depending on the individualâ??s need. A dose of 600mg (either 6x100mg or 3x200mg) will usually maintain plasma testosterone levels in the normal physiological range for a period of four to five months. Testosterone implants are inserted subcutaneously (under the skin) into an area where movement is limited, such as the lower abdominal wall or the buttock. Insertion should occur under local anaesthesia and then the wound should be closed with fine sutures or an adhesive dressing.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

There are no commonly reported side effects

Uncommon side effects

Uncommon side effects that you may experience include:Flushing of the skinAching musclesDizziness, headacheHigh blood calcium level (hypercalcaemia)Persistent painful erection of the penis (priapism)Fluctuation in sex driveReduced volume of ejaculationPremature closure of the ends of bones in prepubescent males causing stunted growthDecreased sperm count (oligospermia)Sodium and water retentionIncreased frequency of erections in prepubescent boysPremature sexual development in prepubescent boysEnlargement of the penis in prepubescent boysAcne, excessive hair growth and voice changes in women (virilism)


Â

For further information talk to your doctor.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 1 January, 1970


Created by: myVMC