Andropatch

What is it?

A preparation of male hormone (androgen) inmpregnated into patches for application onto the skin. Available in two strengths, delivering 2.5mg and 5mg of testosterone, respectively, over 24 hours.

Medical Uses

Hormone replacement therapy in males when there is a failure of the testicles to produce sufficient amounts of hormone. This may be due to a failure in normal development (primary hypogonadism) or due to a subsequent disease or accident (secondary hypogonadism).

Dosage

Adult men; apply 5mg patch at about 10 o'clock each night to clean skin on upper arm, back, abdomen or thigh; replace after 24 hours with fresh patch. Dose can be adjusted to 2.5mg or 7.5mg according to individual reponse and need.

Special Care

Elderly men, patients with Heart, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, migraine, secondary skeletal tumours, epilepsy, high blood pressure. Monitoring of the prostate gland is required.

Avoid Use

Children, females, patients with breast or prostate cancer, elevated levels of calcium in blood, nephrotic syndrome (a kidney abnormality).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Oxyphenbutazone, anticoagulant drugs.

Known Side Effects

Prostate gland effects, masculinization, reactions in skin, gastrointestinal bleeding, depression, headache. Adverse side effects must be reported to the Committee on the safety of Medicines.

Manufacturer

Glaxosmithkline.