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Testosterone Coupon - Testosterone 90ml of 30mg/1.5ml bottle of topical solution

testosterone

Generic Axiron
Used for Testosterone Replacement
Used for Testosterone Replacement

Testosterone topical solution is used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's convenient to use because you only have to apply it once a day. Compared to testosterone gels, it's less likely to rub off on other people you come into contact with because it's applied to your armpits.

Last reviewed on September 22, 2021
Testosterone topical solution is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
basics-icon

What is Testosterone topical solution?

What is Testosterone topical solution used for?

  • Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

How Testosterone topical solution works

Testosterone topical solution is a testosterone replacement that acts like the natural sex hormone. Testosterone is responsible for the development and maintenance of many male features. Testosterone topical solution works by adding or replacing testosterone in the body to normal and healthy levels.

Are you looking for information on testosterone gel instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAxiron (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassTestosterone replacement
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule III
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the risks and warnings for Testosterone topical solution?

Testosterone topical solution can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

risk-warning

Early puberty or development of male features

  • Risk factors: Using topical testosterones | Unwashed or unclothed application sites

    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.

    Follow all application instructions carefully to prevent any accidental exposure from happening. After applying testosterone topical solution, wash your hands with soap and water right away. If skin-to-skin contact is expected, be sure to wash the application area thoroughly with soap and water to remove any medication. If another person accidentally touches the unwashed or unclothed area of your skin where the medication was applied, they should wash the area of contact with soap and water as soon as possible.

    risk-warning

    High red blood cell count and heart attack or stroke

    • Risk factors: History of heart conditions

      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.

      risk-warning

      Blood clots

      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.

      risk-warning

      Potential for abuse, dependency, and addiction

      • Risk factors: Taking more testosterone topical solution than prescribed | Taking testosterone topical solution with other testosterones

        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.

        Continued abuse of testosterone topical solution can lead to addiction. Addiction can cause behaviors, such as taking a higher dose than prescribed, spending a lot of time trying to get the medication when there are problems with availability, prioritizing medication use over other responsibilities, and having trouble stopping the medication even if you want to stop. Remember to take testosterone topical solution as prescribed to lower the risk of misuse, abuse, dependency, and addiction.

        risk-warning

        Worsening symptoms of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer

        • Risk factors: History of enlarged prostate

          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.

          Testosterone topical solution can raise your risk of prostate cancer. Your provider might have you perform occasional blood tests and physical check-ups before and during treatment with testosterone topical solution. Testosterone topical solution isn't recommended if you have prostate cancer because it can worsen your cancer.

          risk-warning

          Liver problems

          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.

          risk-warning

          Swelling in the legs or arms (edema)

          • Risk factors: History of heart, liver, or kidney conditions | Taking other medications that cause swelling like corticosteroids

            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.

            risk-warning

            Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)

            • *Risk factors: History of sleep apnea | Obesity | History of lung disease *

              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.

              risk-warning

              High calcium in the blood

              • Risk factors: History of cancer | Taking other medications that cause high calcium in the blood

                Testosterone topical solution can cause high calcium in the blood, especially in people with cancer. 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 testosterone topical solution, your provider might have you perform regular blood tests to make sure your calcium levels are within the normal range.

                basics-icon

                What are the side effects of Testosterone topical solution?

                The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

                Common Side Effects

                • Application site irritation (7%)
                • Application site redness (5%)
                • Headache (5%)
                • High red blood cell count (4%)
                • Diarrhea (3%)
                • Vomiting (3%)
                • Rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA, 1%)

                Other Side Effects

                • Application site swelling
                • Application site warmth
                • Skin redness
                • High blood pressure
                • High blood sugar
                • Acne
                • More tears
                • Common cold
                • Anger
                • Anxiety
                • Weakness
                • Breast tenderness

                Serious Side Effects

                Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
                • Heart attack: chest pain, cold sweats, left arm pain, difficulty breathing
                • Stroke: face drooping, trouble seeing, walking, speaking, weakness on one side of the body
                • Blood clots: legs (pain, swelling, warm to touch, redness), lungs (trouble breathing, chest pain, cough)
                • Withdrawal: depression, fatigue, craving, restlessness, irritability, lack of appetite, trouble sleeping (insomnia), lower sex drive, and low testosterone
                • Liver damage: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, light-colored stools, dark urine, weight loss

                Source: DailyMed

                The following side effects have also been reported

                Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

                Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

                More common

                Blood in the urine

                difficulty urinating

                frequent urination

                Less common

                Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

                blurred vision

                feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded

                feeling of warmth or heat

                flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck

                frequent strong or increased urge to urinate

                headache

                nervousness

                pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg

                pounding in the ears

                slow or fast heartbeat

                sweating

                swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

                tingling of the hands or feet

                unusual weight gain or loss

                waking to urinate at night

                Incidence not known

                Aggressive behavior

                anxiety

                bluish lips or skin

                chest pain

                cough

                decrease in testicle size

                development of pubic hair

                difficult or labored breathing

                dizziness or lightheadedness

                enlargement of the clitoris or penis

                fainting

                fast heartbeat

                not breathing

                pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg

                painful or prolonged erection of the penis

                tightness in the chest

                troubled breathing

                Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

                More common

                Blemishes on the skin

                burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site

                pimples

                Less common

                Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

                crying

                decreased interest in sexual intercourse

                depression

                discoloration of the hair

                dry skin

                false or unusual sense of well-being

                hair loss

                inability to have or keep an erection

                lack or loss of strength

                loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

                loss of memory

                paranoia

                problems with memory

                quick to react or overreact emotionally

                rapidly changing moods

                thinning of the hair

                Incidence not known

                Increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

                trouble sleeping

                Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

                Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

                pros-and-cons

                Pros and cons of Testosterone topical solution

                thumbs-up

                Pros

                Lower risk of accidentally exposing others to testosterone compared to the gel form

                Applied once a day

                Available in a less expensive, generic form

                thumbs-down

                Cons

                Application can be messy if the medication runs or drips

                Need to wait 2 hours before you can swim, bathe, or wash the application site

                Requires regular blood tests

                pharmacist-tips

                Pharmacist tips for Testosterone topical solution

                pharmacist
                • Testosterone topical solution can spread to other people if they contact the area where the medication is applied (skin-to-skin contact). This can cause early symptoms of puberty in children, such as enlarged genitals, pubic hair, and aggression, and development of male features in females, such as changes in body hair and acne. To prevent transfer to another person, wear clothes over the application site as soon as it's dry and wash your hands with soap and water right away after you apply the medication. Because of these side effects, be sure to keep the medication out of the reach of children.

                  • Testosterone topical solution shouldn't be used for bodybuilding or improving your athletic ability. Using testosterone topical solution for these purposes is considered abuse and can cause serious side effects, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, depression, hallucinations, and delusions. This medication is FDA-approved for the treatment of low testosterone in males only. Take testosterone topical solution exactly as prescribed by your provider.

                    • Testosterone topical solution can cause growth, pain, or tenderness in the breast area of males. This might continue throughout treatment with testosterone topical solution. Let your provider know if this becomes bothersome.

                      • Testosterone topical solution can lower your blood sugar. People with diabetes might need to monitor their blood sugar more often while taking this medication. Make sure you know how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. Talk to your provider if you have diabetes and are experiencing any symptoms of low blood sugar, including shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, and confusion because your provider might need to adjust your medications.

                        • Taking testosterone topical solution together with blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) might cause you to bleed more easily. Your provider might monitor your blood clotting time (INR) more often while taking this medication. Let your provider know if you experience bleeding that takes longer to stop, bruising, blood in your urine, or dark stools because your dose might need to be adjusted.

                          • Testosterone topical solution is flammable, meaning it can easily catch on fire. Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until the application site has dried to protect yourself and others around you.

                            • Store testosterone topical solution at room temperature. Throw away the used bottle in the trash safely in a way that avoids accidental contact with children and pets.

                              How to use testosterone topical solution

                              • It's important to read the instructions for use before using testosterone topical solution to make sure you administer the dose correctly. Depending on your dose, you might need to apply the medication unevenly between both sides of the body.

                                • When using testosterone topical solution for the first time, you need to prime the pump. Push the pump down 3 times and wash the primed gel down the sink to avoid any accidental contact to others. The pump is now ready to use and it doesn't need to be primed again.

                                  • Remove both the cap and the applicator cup from the pump. Hold the nozzle over the cup and press down on the pump once. Keep the cup upright and apply it directly to your armpit, use the applicator cup to wipe the medication up and down to spread the medication. If the medication drips or runs, use the applicator cup to wipe it back up, don't use your fingers or hands to rub in the solution. Depending on your dose, you might have to repeat this process to the other armpit. If your dose requires 2 applications to the same armpit, wait until the first application is dry before applying the second one. Wear a shirt 3 minutes after applying and waiting for the solution to dry completely.

                                    • When you are done applying, rinse the applicator cup with room temperature water and dry it with a tissue. Place both the cap and the applicator cup back onto the bottle for safe storage. Clean up any spills to make sure others don't accidentally come in contact with it. Wash your hands with soap and water right away.

                                      faqs

                                      Frequently asked questions about Testosterone topical solution

                                      Where do you apply testosterone topical solution?
                                      Testosterone topical solution should only be applied to the clean, dry, and healthy skin of your armpits. Don't apply the medication to other parts of your body, such as your stomach area, penis, scrotum, shoulders, or upper arms. Depending on your dose, you might not apply testosterone topical solution equally to both armpits. Talk to your provider or pharmacist to make sure you are using the medication correctly.
                                      How long do you have to wait before you can wash the application site after using testosterone topical solution?
                                      Testosterone topical solution should be applied at the same time each morning after you've showered or bathed. You should avoid swimming, bathing, and washing the application site for at least 2 hours after testosterone topical solution has been applied. Washing the application site too soon after you apply testosterone topical solution can lower the amount of testosterone that’s absorbed in your body, which can affect how well the medication works.
                                      Can you use deodorant with testosterone topical solution?
                                      Yes. You can use antiperspirant or deodorant, but it should be applied at least 2 minutes before you apply testosterone topical solution. In addition, if you use a stick or roll-on antiperspirant or deodorant, applying it first lowers the chance of the medication contaminating the stick or roll-on product.
                                      Can testosterone topical solution affect your chances of having a baby?
                                      Testosterone topical solution can lower your sperm count, which might affect your ability to have a baby (fertility). This is more likely to happen if you're using higher doses of the medication and there's a chance these effects can be permanent. Let your provider know if you're thinking of having a baby before you start testosterone topical solution.
                                      What's the difference between testosterone topical solution and testosterone gels like Testim?
                                      Testosterone topical solution and testosterone gels like AndroGel 1.62% are both testosterone medications that are used to treat low testosterone in males, but they have differences in where they are applied and the amount of testosterone they contain. Testosterone topical solution is applied to your armpit, while AndroGel 1.62% is applied to your shoulders and upper arms. Both medications can be harmful and cause development of male features in women and children if they’re exposed to the medication through skin-to-skin contact, but there’s a higher risk of exposure with Androgel 1.62% because the shoulders and upper arms are more exposed than the armpit. Each testosterone medication has its individual safety risks. Be sure to talk to your provider to make sure the right medication is prescribed for you.
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                                      dosage

                                      Testosterone topical solution dosage forms

                                      Typical dosing for Testosterone topical solution

                                      The typical starting dose is 60 mg (2 pumps, 1 in each armpit) applied to your armpits each morning. If needed, your provider might adjust your dose depending on your testosterone levels.

                                      interactions

                                      Interactions between Testosterone topical solution and other drugs

                                      Testosterone topical solution may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Testosterone topical solution. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                      • Licorice
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                                      contraindications-icon

                                      Testosterone topical solution contraindications

                                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Testosterone topical solution will not be safe for you to take.
                                      • Males with breast cancer or prostate cancer

                                      • Currently pregnant or breastfeeding

                                      alternatives

                                      What are alternatives to Testosterone topical solution?

                                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Testosterone topical solution. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                      Testosterone topical solution
                                      Used for:
                                      • Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

                                      $56.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      Used for:
                                      • Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

                                      $47.35 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      latest news

                                      What is the latest news about Testosterone topical solution?

                                      images

                                      Testosterone topical solution images

                                      Testosterone Coupon - Testosterone 90ml of 30mg / 1.5ml bottle of topical solution
                                      bottle (90ml) 30mg/1.5ml of testosterone topical solutionTestosterone Coupon - Testosterone 90ml of 30mg / 1.5ml bottle of topical solution

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