Testosterone (Topical Application Route) Proper Use (2024)

Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Androgel® or Fortesta® is available in two forms: individual packets or multi-dose pump. Vogelxo™ is available in three forms: individual packets, multi-dose pump, or tube. If you are using the pump gel for the first time, prime the pump before measuring out your first dose. Hold the pump over a sink and press the pump all the way down at least 3 times (Androgel® or Vogelxo™) or 8 times (Fortesta®) or until the gel begins to flow freely. Rinse the medicine discarded into the sink down the drain. Place the palm of your hand under the pump and press the pump the proper number of times to measure out your correct dose.

If you are using the gel in foil packets, tear the packet completely open along the perforation. Squeeze the entire contents directly onto the skin where you will apply the gel. You may also empty the packet into the palm of your hand and then apply the medicine. Throw away the empty foil packet in a place where children and pets cannot reach it.

Axiron® is available in two forms:

• Pump actuated metered dose bottle—For first time use, prime it before measuring out your first dose. Hold the bottle over a sink and press the pump all the way down at least 3 times. Rinse the medicine discarded into the sink down the drain. Place the palm of your hand under the pump and press the pump the proper number of times to measure out your correct dose.
• Twist actuated metered dose bottle—For first time use, prime it before measuring out your first dose. Hold the bottle over a sink and twist the dose dial on the bottle. Rinse the medicine discarded into the sink down the drain. Repeat this two more times. Completely twist (180° turn) the dose dial one time after priming to get your correct dose.

AndroGel® is available in two dosage strengths: AndroGel® 1% and AndroGel® 1.62%. AndroGel® 1% is used differently than AndroGel® 1.62%, even though they are both applied to the skin. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.

To use the gel:

• Make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the gel.
• Apply AndroGel® 1% to a clean, dry, intact skin of the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen (stomach), unless your doctor tells you to use it on another part of your body. AndroGel® 1.62% should only be applied to a clean, dry intact skin of the shoulders and upper arms. Fortesta® should be applied to a clean, dry, intact skin of the front or inner thighs. Vogelxo™ should be applied to a clean, dry, intact skin of the shoulders or upper arms. Do not apply Vogelxo™ to your abdomen or stomach. Do not apply this medicine to your scrotum or your penis. Do not use the medicine on skin that has a cut, scrape, or other type of injury.
• Allow the gel to dry on your skin before you cover it with clothing (eg, shorts, pants, t-shirt).
• Wait for at least 2 hours (for AndroGel® 1.62%, Fortesta®, and Vogelxo™) or 5 hours (for AndroGel® 1%) after applying this medicine before showering or swimming.

To use the topical solution:

• Apply an antiperspirant or deodorant spray at least 2 minutes before you apply this medicine.
• Apply Axiron® to each clean, dry, intact skin of your underarm using an applicator. Do not apply this medicine to your stomach, penis, scrotum, shoulders, or upper arms. Do not use the medicine on skin that has a cut, scrape, or other type of injury. Do not drink this medicine.
• Wipe any medicine that drips or runs with an applicator. Do not rub the solution with your fingers or hand.
• Pump actuated metered dose bottle: Rinse the applicator cup with water and pat it dry with a tissue. Put the cup and cap back onto the bottle.
• Twist actuated metered dose bottle: Rinse the applicator with water and pat it dry with a tissue. Put the lid back on the bottle.
• Allow the solution to dry for at least 3 minutes before you cover the area with clothing. Do not shower or swim for least 2 hours.
• If any medicine gets in your eyes, rinse them right away with water and call your doctor. Do not drink the medicine.

The gel or solution form can be transferred to another person if they touch or rub the skin where the medicine was placed or if some of it remains on your hands. To keep this from happening, wash your hands again after applying the medicine. Also, wash the area where you applied the gel with soap and water if you expect to have a skin-to-skin contact with another person.

This medicine is flammable until it dries on the skin. Do not use it near heat, an open flame, or while smoking.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For hormone replacement:
  • For topical dosage form (gel):
    • Adults—
      • AndroGel® 1%: At first, apply 50 milligrams (mg) (two 25 mg packets or a single 50 mg packet) to a clean, dry, intact skin once a day (usually in the morning). Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg per day.
      • AndroGel® 1.62%: At first, apply 40.5 milligrams (mg) (2 pumps or a single 40.5 mg packet) to a clean, dry, intact skin once a day (usually in the morning). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 81 mg per day.
      • Fortesta®: At first, apply 40 milligrams (mg) (4 pumps) to a clean, dry, intact skin once a day (usually in the morning). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 70 mg per day.
      • Vogelxo™: At first, apply 50 milligrams (mg) (1 tube, 1 packet, or 4 pumps) to a clean, dry, intact skin once a day (usually in the morning). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg once a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For topical dosage form (solution):
    • Adults—At first, apply 60 milligrams (mg) (1 pump or 1 twist actuation of 30 mg) to each clean, dry, intact skin of your underarm once a day (usually in the morning). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the medicine in a safe place. Do not give it to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms. Throw away the empty pump, tube, or packet in a place where children and pets cannot reach it.

• Before Using
• Precautions

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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