Androderm (Testosterone patch): Uses, Side Effects, Alternatives & More - GoodRx (2024)

What is Androderm (testosterone patch) ?

What is Androderm (testosterone patch) used for?

How Androderm (testosterone patch) works

Androderm (testosterone patch) is a testosterone replacement therapy that acts like the natural sex hormone, testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for the development and maintenance of many male features and functions, such as muscle and bone strength and growth, and regulating sex drive and sperm production.

Androderm (testosterone patch) works by raising testosterone to normal and healthy levels in males with low testosterone.

Drug Facts

What are the risks and warnings for Androderm (testosterone patch) ?

Testosterone replacement therapy can raise your red blood cell (RBC) count. This is thought to raise the risk of blood clots, including strokes and heart attacks. But more information is needed to understand whether there is a link. Your prescriber will order blood tests before you start Androderm (testosterone patch) and every 3 to 6 months to check if your RBC count is within a safe range. If your RBC level is too high, they might ask you to stop Androderm (testosterone patch) until it becomes lower.

In addition, Androderm (testosterone patch) itself might be linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac (heart-related) death. Get emergency help right away if you have chest pain, cold sweats, left arm pain, difficulty breathing, trouble walking, trouble speaking, or weakness on one side of the body, since you might have to stop taking the medication.

There have been reports of Androderm (testosterone patch) causing blood clots in your legs or lungs. Symptoms of a blood clot in the legs include leg pain, swelling, or redness. Symptoms of a blood clot in the lungs include difficulty breathing or chest pain. Let your prescriber know if you have any of these symptoms and seek medical help right away as you might have to stop the medication.

Androderm (testosterone patch) is a controlled substance, because it has a risk of misuse and addiction, especially if you use higher doses than prescribed or use it with other testosterones. Only take Androderm (testosterone patch) as prescribed to lower the risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction.

Taking Androderm (testosterone patch) can worsen certain symptoms in people with an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Let your prescriber know if you experience any changes in your urinary routine, such as more urination at night, feeling like you need to urinate more often or immediately, trouble urinating, accidentally urinating, or urinating slowly.

Androderm (testosterone patch) can raise your risk of prostate cancer. Your prescriber might have you perform occasional blood tests and physical check-ups before and during treatment with Androderm (testosterone patch) . Androderm (testosterone patch) isn't recommended if you have prostate cancer because it can worsen your cancer.

Using certain forms of testosterone, such as methyltestosterone and testosterone enanthate intramuscular injection, for long periods of time can cause life-threatening liver problems. This isn't a known risk of Androderm (testosterone patch) but it's important to look out for signs and symptoms of liver damage. Let your care team know if you're experiencing stomach pain, light-colored stools, dark urine, or if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow because you might need to stop the medication.

Androderm (testosterone patch) can lower sperm count, which might affect your ability to have a baby (fertility). There's a chance these effects can be permanent. Let your prescriber know if you're thinking of having a baby before you start Androderm (testosterone patch) .

Androderm (testosterone patch) can cause your body to hold onto more salt and water, which can lead to swelling in your legs or arms and sudden weight gain. This is more likely to happen if you're taking other medications that cause swelling, such as corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol)). It can be more serious in people with heart, liver, or kidney conditions. Talk to your prescriber if you have any of these symptoms because you might need to stop the medication.

Androderm (testosterone patch) can worsen symptoms in people who have breathing problems in their sleep. This is called sleep apnea. This is more likely to happen to people who also have a history of obesity or lung disease, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you experience more daytime sleepiness or if your partner notices that you stop breathing in your sleep more often, talk to your prescriber.

Androderm (testosterone patch) can cause high calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), especially in people with cancer or people who take medications that raise calcium. High calcium levels can lead to muscle weakness and kidney problems, such as frequent urination, thirst, stomach pain, and blood in the urine. During treatment with Androderm (testosterone patch) , your prescriber might have you perform regular blood tests to make sure your calcium levels are within the normal range.

Androderm (testosterone patch) dosage forms

• Adults: The typical starting dose is one 4 mg patch applied every night to your back, stomach, upper arms, or thighs. Your prescriber might adjust your dose depending on how your testosterone levels respond to the medication.