testosterone

Testosterone topical solution can be transferred to other people through skin-to-skin contact with the site where the medication was applied. The risk of transfer is higher when the application site is unwashed or unclothed. Females and children should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites of males using testosterone topical solution because exposure can cause early symptoms of puberty in children and development of male features in females. Children can experience enlargement of the penis or clitoris, development of pubic hair, more erections, higher sex drive, aggressive behavior, or faster bone aging. Females can experience deepening of the voice, acne, absence of menstrual periods, or more facial and body hair. If you're pregnant and having a baby girl, coming in contact with testosterone topical solution can cause your unborn baby to develop male features. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your provider immediately as you might need to stop the medication temporarily until the cause is known.

Testosterone topical solution can raise your red blood cell count, which can cause blood clots and lead to strokes and heart attacks. Your provider will have you perform regular blood tests to check that your red blood cell count is in the normal range. Testosterone topical solution itself might cause 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.

Testosterone topical solution can cause life-threatening 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 provider know if you have any of these symptoms and seek medical help right away as you might have to stop the medication.

Testosterone topical solution is a controlled substance, because it has a risk of misuse, abuse, and dependency especially if you use higher doses than prescribed or use it with other testosterones. Misuse is when the medication is taken for reasons other than prescribed, like sexual dysfunction. Abuse is when the medication is purposely used for a non-medical reason, like building muscle and improving athletic ability. Abusing testosterone topical solution can cause serious heart and mental health problems, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, liver problems, depression, delusions, hallucinations, and aggression. Dependency is when you rely on the medication to function normally and have withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and lowered sex drive, when you lower the dose or stop the medication suddenly.

Taking testosterone topical solution can worsen certain symptoms in people with an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Let your provider 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.

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 testosterone topical solution but it's important to look out for signs and symptoms of liver damage. Let your provider 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.

Testosterone topical solution 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 provider if you have any of these symptoms because you might need to stop the medication.

Testosterone topical solution can worsen symptoms in people who have breathing problems in their sleep. This is more likely to happen to people who also have a history of obesity or lung disease. If you experience more daytime sleepiness or if your partner notices that you stop breathing in your sleep more often, talk to your provider.