Testopel contains testosterone pellets as the active ingredient in the form of crystalline testosterone. It belongs to the androgen class of medications. The formulation is a cylindrically shaped pellet intended for subcutaneous implantation, with each pellet containing 75 mg of testosterone. The key inactive ingredients include stearic acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Testopel is designed to slowly release testosterone for a long-acting androgenic effect.

How should I use this medication?

This medication will be inserted under your skin by your care team.

A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Contact your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. Your care team will tell you when your next dose is due. Notify the office if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication will be inserted under your skin by your care team. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Increase in blood pressure
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Mood swings, irritability, or hostility
• Prolonged or painful erection
• Sleep apnea—loud snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime sleepiness
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Acne
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Unexpected breast tissue growth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Breast cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung disease
• Prostate cancer, enlargement
• An unusual or allergic reaction to testosterone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Propranolol
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. They will need to check the level of testosterone in your blood.

Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of this medication. Get emergency help if you develop signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.

Call your care team if you notice a change in the way this medication is working. It is possible that the pellets may accidentally fall out.

This medication is banned from use in athletes by most athletic organizations.