Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Intermuscular injection or various forms of transdermal applications

• Injectable - Deletestryl: 200mg injection every 2 weeks or 400mg injection once each month
• Transdermal
  • Androderm - One 5mg patch every 24 hours
  • Androgel 1% - One 5G packet of gel rubbed onto a major muscle every 24 hours

The injectable form must be given deep in a large muscle such as the anterior thigh.

• A new patch should be applied to a large muscle such as your upper arm or buttocks every 24 hours.
• If Androgel is being used, apply the gel to a large muscle such as the upper arm, anterior thigh, or buttocks. Cleanse the area well before applying gel.
• Wash your hands immediately after applying the gel.

Low term use or misuse of testosterone replacement therapy can result in the following:

• acne
• application site irritation
• liver complications
• possible link to increased risk of prostate cancer
• alterations in mood

• Remember to wash your hands well after applying the gel.
• Proper injection technique should be taught and confirmed by a health care professional before doing injections at home.
• The old patch should be removed and the site cleaned before applying another.
• Wait 5-6 hours after gel application to shower or to go swimming.

To find out more about low testosterone levels and testosterone replacement therapy, talk to you doctor.

For more information on Androgel, Androderm, or Deletestryl try About.com's Drug Finder.