What is Andro LA 200 (Testosterone)?

Testosterone is a naturally occurring sex hormone that is produced in a man’s testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are also produced in a woman’s ovaries and adrenal system.

Testosterone injection is used in men and boys to treat conditions caused by a lack of this hormone, such as delayed puberty, impotence, or other hormonal imbalances. Testosterone injection is also used in women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Testosterone injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Andro LA 200 (Testosterone)?

You should not receive this medication if you have:

• prostate cancer
• male breast cancer
• if you are pregnant; or
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a hormone treatment

Before receiving testosterone injection, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
• any type of cancer
• high cholesterol
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder
• liver or kidney disease; or
• heart disease, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), congestive heart failure, or a history of heart attack

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use testosterone injection.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not receive testosterone injection if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medication.

It is not known whether testosterone injection passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Andro LA 200 Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Andro LA 200 (Testosterone)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• swelling, rapid weight gain
• increased or ongoing erection of the penis
• bone pain, increased thirst, memory problems, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, loss of appetite, increased urination, weakness, muscle twitching; or
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Women receiving testosterone injection may develop male characteristics, which could be irreversible if testosterone treatment is continued. Call your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs of excess testosterone:

• acne
• changes in your menstrual periods
• male-pattern hair growth (such as on the chin or chest)
• male pattern baldness
• enlarged clitoris; or
• increase or decrease in sex drive

Less serious side effects may include:

• breast swelling in men
• headache, anxiety, depressed mood
• numbness or tingly feeling; or
• pain or swelling where the medicine was injected

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Andro LA 200 Interactions

What other drugs affect Andro LA 200 (Testosterone)?

Before receiving testosterone injection, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin)
• insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth such as glimepiride (Amaryl, Duetact, Avandaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), metformin (Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Fortamet, Glucophage Janumet), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others; or
• steroid medicine such as methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others), and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with testosterone injection. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Andro LA 200 (Testosterone)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using testosterone injection.

Andro LA 200 Dosage

How should I take Andro LA 200 (Testosterone)?

Testosterone injection is given as an shot into a muscle of your buttocks. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. Testosterone injection is usually given every 2 to 4 weeks.

The number of months you need to use testosterone injection will depend on the condition being treated.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Testosterone injection can affect bone growth in boys who are treated for delayed puberty. Bone development may need to be checked with x-rays every 6 months during treatment.

What happens if I overdose on Andro LA 200 (Testosterone)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

An overdose of testosterone injection is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Andro LA 200 (Testosterone)?

Call your doctor if you miss an appointment for your testosterone injection.

Edited from everydayhealth.com