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 less than 18 years old have not been established.
- Topical testosterone products may have different doses, strengths, or application instructions that may result in different systemic exposure.
Important Safety Information3,4
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 or may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as testosterone may cause fetal harm.
- 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. 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 concentrations 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 of 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.
†Eligible patients will save up to $50 off their monthly AndroGel 1.62% prescription after their $10 co-pay for a total of 12 transactions (a total of $600 savings). This program is not valid for prescriptions reimbursed under Medicare, Medicaid, or similar federal or state programs. Abbott Laboratories reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this offer without notice.
Please see full Prescribing Information including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.
References: 1. Bhasin S, Pencina M, Jasuja GK, et al. Reference ranges for testosterone in men—generated using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in a community-based sample of healthy nonobese young men in the Framingham Heart Study and applied to three geographically distinct cohorts. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96: 2430-2439. 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. AndroGel 1.62% [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories. 4. AndroGel 1% [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories. 5. Fisher DA, ed. The Quest Diagnostics Manual for Endocrinology. San Juan, CA: Nicholas Institute; 2007
