testosterone

Testosterone gel 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 those using testosterone gel because exposure can cause early symptoms of puberty in children and development of male features in females.

Testosterone gel can raise your red blood cell count, which can cause blood clots. Your provider might have you perform regular blood tests to check that your red blood cell count is in the normal range.

Testosterone gel 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 gel is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction. Misuse is when it's taken for medical reasons other than prescribed. Misusing testosterone gel can cause serious problems involving the heart and mental health, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, liver problems, depression, delusions, hallucinations, and aggression.

Taking testosterone gel 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 gel 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 gel can cause your body to hold onto more salt and water, which can lead to swelling in your arms and legs 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 gel 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.