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International generic name
Testosterone
Drug form and composition
Solution for injection. One ampoule of 1 ml contains 50 mg Testosterone propionate.
Indications
The drug is used in cases of deficiency of androgens; in primary and secondary
hypogonadism; late puberty in boys; hormone dependent breast cancer in women, as
a hormonal therapy for palliative treatment.
Dosage and administration
In cases of deficiency of androgens and in primary and secondary hypogonadism,
the drug is used intramuscularly in a dose of 25 - 50 mg 2 - 3 times weekly. In
breast cancer, Testosteron is administered intramuscularly in dose 50 - 100 mg,
3 times weekly. In late puberty in boys, the dose of the drug is 100 mg intramuscularly
for a month, generally for a period of 4 to 6 months.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the drug; prostatic carcinoma in men; heart failure and myocardial
infarction; renal or hepatic dysfunction; diabetes mellitus; hypercalcemia; hypertrophy
of the prostate; pregnancy and lactation.
Special warnings and precautions
The drug should be used with caution in elderly patients, because the prolonged
treatment with Testosteron can lead to prostatic hyperplasia or cancer. In patient
treated for hypogonadism gynecomastia can develop. In high doses the exogenous testosterone
can suppress spermatogenesis because of the inhibition (by the route of the “reciprocal
relationship”) of the folliculostimulating hormone.
Drug interactions
Testosterone increases the action of the coumarin anticoagulants, insulin, metformin,
sulfanilureic antidiabetic drugs. The effectiveness of the drug is reduced by barbiturates.
In severe hypogonadism, Testosteron can be combined with drugs, stimulating the
function of the thyroid gland.
Adverse reactions
The most commonly observed are: thrombophlebitis; jaundice of cholestatic type;
virilism in women, priapism; retention of water and salts. In high doses and in
prolonged treatment courses, there is a risk of development of liver tumors.
Pharmacological mechanisms
Testosterone is a synthetic sex hormone with strong androgenic action. In contrast
to the natural hormones, it is absorbed slowly and it is more stable in the organism.
During puberty testosterone is responsible for the development of the primary and
secondary sex characteristics and the formation of the man type behavior. After
puberty its effects are manifested in the spermatogenesis and metabolism. It has
a strong anabolic action, facilitates the incorporation of calcium and phosphate
in bones, increases the sodium and water retention and augments the skin blood supply.
Testosteron inhibits the growth of some types of cancer of the breast, uterus, and
ovaries. In women it can lead to virilization.
Supplied
10 or 50 ampoules of 1 ml (50 mg).
Expiry
5 years
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