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Millions of men may have low testosterone¹

  • The Hypogonadism in Males (HIM) Study examined testosterone levels (single blood draw) in 2162 men ≥45 years old and estimated that approximately 13 million men in the US may have hypogonadism.1
    • 66% of men in the study presented with one or more symptoms of hypogonadism.1

HIM Study Design
2162 eligible patients, all men aged ≥45 years, visiting primary care practices ... 2162 eligible patients, all men aged ≥45 years visiting primary care practices in the United States, underwent a serum testosterone assessment by a single morning (8 AM–noon) blood draw. Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone level of <300 ng/dL. Common symptoms of hypogonadism, comorbid conditions, demographics, and reason for visit were recorded. Data were analyzed to determine hypogonadal prevalence rates overall, by demographic characteristics, by associated comorbid conditions, and by other variables.1

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Signs and conditions associated with low testosterone

In a separate study of men with type 2 diabetes it was estimated that up to 33% of diabetic men may have low testosterone.3

Study Design
A systematic review of 103 male patients with type 2 diabetes investigated the prevalence of hypogonadism... A systematic review of 103 male patients with type 2 diabetes investigated the prevalence of hypogonadism by measuring serum total testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Fasting blood samples were taken as part of the workup at initial visit.3

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THE ENDOCRINE SOCIETY SUGGESTS TESTING FOR LOW TESTOSTERONE IN MEN WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES.2

 
 

Indication4,5

AndroGel® (testosterone gel) 1% and 1.62% CIII are androgens indicated for replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone:

  • Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): testicular failure due to conditions such as cryptorchidism, bilateral torsion, orchitis, vanishing testis syndrome, orchiectomy, Klinefelter’s syndrome, chemotherapy, or toxic damage from alcohol or heavy metals.
  • Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): idiopathic gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) deficiency or pituitary-hypothalamic injury from tumors, trauma, or radiation.

Important limitations of use: Safety and efficacy of AndroGel in males <18 years old have not been established.

Important Safety Information4,5

WARNING: SECONDARY EXPOSURE TO TESTOSTERONE

  • Virilization has been reported in children who were secondarily exposed to testosterone gel.
  • Children should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites in men using testosterone gel.
  • Healthcare providers should advise patients to strictly adhere to recommended instructions for use.
  • AndroGel is contraindicated in men with breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer, and in women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as testosterone may cause fetal harm; or in men with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in AndroGel.
  • Monitor patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with androgens due to an increased risk for worsening signs and symptoms of BPH.
  • Patients treated with androgens may be at increased risk for prostate cancer and should be evaluated prior to initiating and during treatment with androgens as appropriate. Monitor prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels periodically.
  • Avoid unintentional exposure of women or children to AndroGel. Secondary exposure to testosterone can produce signs of virilization and should be brought to the attention of the healthcare provider. Exposure of a pregnant woman to AndroGel may result in potential hazard to the fetus. AndroGel should be promptly discontinued until the cause of virilization is identified.
  • Increases in hematocrit, reflective of increases in red blood cell mass, may require lowering or discontinuation of testosterone. Monitor hematocrit prior to and periodically during treatment. Monitor hemoglobin periodically.
  • AndroGel is not indicated for use in women.
  • Treatment with AndroGel may lead to azoospermia; edema which may be serious in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease, or in patients taking adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or corticosteroids; gynecomastia; sleep apnea, especially in those with risk factors; changes in insulin sensitivity or glycemic control; and changes in anticoagulant activity.
  • Treatment with androgens may lead to serious hepatic effects. AndroGel is not known to cause these adverse effects. Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) periodically.
  • Changes in serum lipid profile may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of testosterone therapy. Monitor lipid levels periodically.
  • Androgens should be used with caution in cancer patients at risk of hypercalcemia (and associated hypercalciuria). Regular monitoring of serum calcium concentrations is recommended in these patients.
  • Most common adverse reaction of AndroGel 1.62% (incidence ≥5%) is an increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA). Most common adverse reactions for AndroGel 1% (incidence ≥5%) are acne, application site reactions, abnormal lab tests, and prostatic disorders.
  • Dosage and administration for AndroGel 1.62% differs from AndroGel 1%. AndroGel is not interchangeable with other topical testosterone products.

Please see full Prescribing Information including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

References: 1. Mulligan T, Frick MF, Zuraw QC, Stemhagen A, McWhirter C. Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract. 2006;60:762-769. 2. Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, et al. Testosterone therapy in adult men with androgen deficiency syndromes: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95:2536-2559. 3. Dhindsa S, Prabhakar S, Sethi M, Bandyopadhyay A, Chaudhuri A, Dandana P. Frequent occurrence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in type 2 diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89:5462-5468. 4. AndroGel 1.62% [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories. 5. AndroGel 1% [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories.