Side Effects Of The Drug Androgel

AndroGel is a medication that contains the male hormone testosterone. The primary uses of Androgel are as an antineoplastic (cancer fighting drug) and as an anabolic steroid. For example, AndroGel may be used for hormone replacement therapy in male patients experiencing delayed puberty. When used to treat this condition, AndroGel may be applied to the upper arms, shoulders or the abdomen once a day.

General Side Effects

According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common general side effects of using AndroGel are acne, application site reactions and prostatic disorders. Certain lab tests may be affected by AndroGel use; inform the lab and the physician ordering the lab work if you are taking AndroGel.

It may take up to three months for AndroGel to reach its therapeutic effect; therefore, long-term use is required and side effects may not present until the therapeutic response is reached. Sensitivity reactions to AndroGel may be mild with local application site irritation, or reactions may be severe to include anaphylaxis. AndroGel may cause excitation and insomnia in some patients, as well as an increased libido. In women taking AndroGel, an increased libido is an early sign of drug toxicity and should be reported to a physician immediately.

Patients may experience sodium and water retention, which causes swelling and weight gain. Because of these side effects, patients taking AndroGel should weigh themselves daily. AndroGel can affect serum calcium levels, cholesterol levels and liver function tests resulting in elevated values; routine lab work is recommended to monitor for these adverse effects. Long-term use of AndroGel may lower a patient's white blood cell (WBC) count; this side effect places a patient at greater risk for infection; routine lab work should be conducted to monitor WBC levels.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

AndroGel may cause some patients to experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a decreased or loss of appetite. Jaundice has been reported, and patients may experience abdominal pain. These symptoms should be reported to a physician, as these side effects may indicate more serious complications from AndroGel use, such as elevated liver enzymes.

Endocrine System Side Effects

Females taking AndroGel will experience suppression of ovulation, menstruation, or lactation. AndroGel use may cause a woman's voice to deepen or become hoarse, and this effect is often irreversible. Other male characteristics include oily skin, excessive hair growth in unusual places, clitoral enlargement, regression of breasts and male-pattern baldness. Female patients using AndroGel may also experience flushing, sweating, vaginal dryness, itching or bleeding.

AndroGel use in males before puberty may result in an enlarged penis, priapism, and premature closing of epiphyseal growth areas, which inhibits bone growth. The effects of AndroGel on growth plates can continue for up to six months following treatment. After puberty, use of AndroGel may cause decreased or no sperm count, decreased ejaculatory volume, impotence or gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue). Gynecomastia should be reported to a physician as this side effect may be an indicator to stop treatment.