WHAT YOU

CAN DO

Treatment Options

There are four different ways to replace testosterone in the body that are approved in Canada:

 

Which treatment you choose depends on what you and your doctor determine is appropriate based upon your lifestyle needs and preferences.

Testosterone Therapy is not Suitable for Everyone

Only your doctor can determine if you have Low T. Low T is diagnosed based upon a set of specific symptoms3 and a blood test3 to indicate that your testosterone level is below a normal range.

Testosterone replacement therapy is not recommended to be used in all men. Men with illness that involve the prostate, heart, kidney or liver will be assessed by their doctor to determine if testosterone therapy is appropriate for them.

Be sure to speak to your doctor about your heart health; specifically if you have heart or blood vessel problems or a history of heart attack(s), stroke or blood clot(s) in the lung(s) or leg(s).

Testosterone Therapy should not be used in Men who: Have suspected or known prostate cancer Have breast cancer 7

 

Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapies

For a full list of side effects associated with testosterone replacement therapy please consult the specific patient information provided with your medication. Alternatively consult your doctor or pharmacist.

 

If you are currently receiving testosterone replacement therapy and experience any unexpected effects you should contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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Testosterone Gels3

Description

  • Testosterone gels are applied daily to upper arms and shoulders. The testosterone in the gel is absorbed into the body through the skin.
  • There are two kinds of gels available in Canada, one available in either multiple dose pumps or single dose packets and the other available in single dose tubes.

Dosage

  • Once a day, usually in the morning.

Benefit

  • Ease of topical application.

Risk

  • It’s important to make sure the gel doesn’t transfer to others. Patients should cover application sites with clothing and wash skin and hands with soap before having skin-to-skin contact with another person.

Application site reactions may occur in patients who use testosterone gels.

Testosterone Nasal Gel

Description

  • Testosterone nasal gel is applied intranasally into the nostril.
  • The testosterone gel is absorbed into the body through the nose.

Dosage

  • One actuation in each nostril twice a day (morning and evening) or three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening).

Benefit

  • Testosterone levels reach normal range
  • No risk of transference
  • Absorbs quickly

Risk

  • Testosterone levels dip at end of dosing period
  • Temporarily discontinue use if severe rhinitis occurs
  • Nasal adverse reactions may occur
  • Two or three times daily administration

Testosterone Solution

Description

  • Testosterone solution is applied daily to the skin of the underarm using a no-touch applicator. The testosterone in the solution is absorbed into the body through the skin.

Dosage

  • Once a day, usually in the morning. One to four applications alternating between armpits.
  • When repeated application to the same armpit is required, the underarm should be allowed to dry completely between applications.

Benefit

  • Ease of topical application.

Risk

  • It’s important to make sure the solution doesn’t transfer to others. Patients should cover application sites with clothing and wash skin and hands with soap before having skin-to-skin contact with another person. Application site reactions may occur in patients who use testosterone solution.

Application site reactions may occur in patients who use testosterone solution.

Injection3

Description

  • Testosterone is given as an injection, by a health care professional only, deep in the buttock

Dosage

  • Every two weeks.

Benefit

  • Requires infrequent administration

Risk

  • It’s important to maintain regular visits to a doctor when taking injections.
    Some adverse events resulting from injections may include skin irritation or redness or rash at the application site.

Capsule

Description

  • Capsules swallowed, taken with a meal.

Dosage

  • Three to four capsules are taken daily (half of dose taken in the morning, half of dose taken in the evening) with a meal, for the first two to three weeks of treatment. Your doctor may then adjust the dose to one to three capsules per day daily based upon your response to treatment.

Benefit

  • Convenience of oral administration.

Risk

  • Some adverse events resulting from capsules may include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.

Take the Low T Symptoms Quiz to find out if you may have Low T

TAKE THE LOW T QUIZ
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR