METHYLTESTOSTERONE (Android-10®, Testred®, Virilon®) is a synthetic (man-made) androgen or male reproductive (sex) hormone. Normal male sexual development, including the sex organs, increases in muscle mass, facial hair, and deep voice, depends on natural androgens. Methyltestosterone replaces natural hormone in men with low testosterone (androgen) production, underdeveloped testes, and/or impotence. Methyltestosterone can help to stimulate delayed puberty and help to treat certain breast cancers in women. Generic methyltestosterone tablets are available, but not generic capsules.
What should my health care professional know before I take methyltestosterone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•breast cancer
•diabetes
•heart or blood vessel disease
•high blood calcium levels
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•previous heart attack
•prostate trouble
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
•an unusual or allergic reaction to methyltestosterone, tartrazine dye, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
How should I take this medicine?
Take methyltestosterone tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. It is best to take the tablets or capsules with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with methyltestosterone?
•blood thinners
•cyclosporine
•growth hormone
•imipramine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking methyltestosterone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•anxiety, depression
•black, tarry stools or light-colored stools
•dark yellow or brown urine
•hair loss
•nausea, vomiting
•skin rash and itching (hives)
•stomach pain
•unusual bleeding
•unusual swelling
•weight gain
•yellowing of the eyes or skin
Additional side effects that can occur primarily in men include:
•breast tenderness or enlargement
•frequent erections
•frequent or difficult passing of urine
•groin or scrotum pain
Additional side effects that can occur primarily in women include:
•irregular vaginal bleeding/spotting
•decrease in breast size
•enlarged clitoris
•facial hair growth
•voice changes (deepening or hoarseness)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•acne
•headache
•sexual difficulties; changes in sexual desire can occur in either male or female patients, and excessive doses can cause impotence in men
What should I watch for while taking methyltestosterone?
If you are diabetic methyltestosterone may affect your blood sugar. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Methyltestosterone is banned from use in athletes by the Olympic Committee and other athletic organizations.
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