Testosterone (Into the nose)

tes-TOS-ter-one

Treats low testosterone levels. Testosterone is a male hormone.

Drug classes

Endocrine-Metabolic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Testosterone nasal gel is used for the treatment of men whose bodies do not make enough natural testosterone, a condition called hypogonadism. Testosterone is a male hormone responsible for the growth and development of the male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Gel/Jelly

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 is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

To use:

Prime the pump the first time you use this medicine. To do this, hold the pump upside down over a sink, and slowly press the pump 10 times. Rinse the sink with warm water. Wipe the tip with a clean, dry tissue. The medicine is now ready to use. If you get the medicine on your hands, wash them with warm water and soap. Gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils. Insert the tip of the pump into your left nostril and gently tilt it so that it touches the side of your nose. This will make sure the medicine is applied properly. Slowly press the pump until it stops. Remove the tip from your nose. Repeat these steps to apply the medicine into your right nostril. After you use the pump, wipe the tip with a clean, dry tissue and put the cap back on. Press your nostrils together just below the bridge of your nose and lightly rub them together. Do not blow your nose or sniff for 1 hour after you use this medicine.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

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:

Insulin Other medicine that you use in your nose (including oxymetazoline) Blood thinner (including warfarin) Steroid (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to testosterone, or if you have breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, heart disease, high cholesterol, lung disease, sleep apnea, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Also tell your doctor if you have any nose or sinus problems, including allergies or history of nose or sinus surgery or a broken nose.

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 Liver problems

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

Summary More details

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, legs, or feet

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

More erections than usual or erections that last a long time

Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, nosebleeds, or discomfort, scabbing, or dryness of your nose

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.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Natesto

There may be other brand names for this medicine.