Testosterone is a type of hormone that belongs to the class of endocrine drugs. It is an androgen resembling male sex hormones. Its main function is to replenish the deficiency in male hormones to treat conditions like male hypogonadism. Low male hormones is known as cause a number of symptoms, such as low sex drive, reduced muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, depression, fatigue and more. Men don’t often know that they have low testosterone so it is better to check regularly with your doctor.
Testosterone is available as capsules, gel and injections.
Male hypogonadism
Capsules: Start with 120-160mg daily in two divided doses for 2-3 weeks. It should be taken with food to enhance absorption. The maintenance dose is 40-120mg. Take a higher dose in the morning than the evening dose.
Gel: Apply 50mg once daily, adjust dose at 7-14 days. The maximum daily dose is 100mg. Apply on a clean, dry skin of shoulders or upper arms, preferably in the morning.
Injections: Initially, inject 250 mg every 2-3 weeks. The maintenance dose is 250mg every 3-6 weeks every 3-6 weeks according to response.
Common side effects of Testosterone include nausea, diarrhoea, skin blister, application site itchiness, increased risk of prostate cancer, headache, and worsening of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Common dosing schedule:
Each preparation has its specific instructions. Refer to product insert for more detail.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Testosterone may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Testosterone is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Testosterone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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