Virormone

What is it?

A male hormone and androgen preparation available as a solution in ampoules containing 50mg of testosterone propionate per ml.

Medical Uses

Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle), male hypogonadism (deficiency in secretion of hormones by testes), delayed puberty in males. Breast cancer after menopause in women.

Dosage

Males, for hypogonadism, 50mg 2 or 3 times each week; cryptorchidism or delayed puberty, 50mg each week. Breast cancer in women, 100mg 2 or 3 times each week. All doses by intramuscular injection.

Special Care

Elderly, obese patients, liver, kidney, or heart disorders, migraine, epilepsy, high blood pressure, chronic lung disease - risk of sleep apnoea (short-lived cessation of breathing). Blood calcium levels should be monitored in patients with cancer who are at high risk of elevated levels. In men, possibility of prostate cancer should be excluded before starting treatment.

Avoid Use

Cancer of liver or prostate gland, heart disease or heart failure which is untreated, kidney nephrosis (an abnormality resulting from various diseases or conditions). Breast cancer in men. High blood and urine levels of calcium in women.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs that induce and inhibit liver enzymes, vitamin A, tetracyclines, oxyphenbutazone, corticosteroids, anticoagulants, ACTH, propanol, insulin. In women, hormonal contraceptives containing progesterone only.

Known Side Effects

Weight gain, reduced fertility, fluid retention, tumours of liver, priapism (painful and prolonged erection of penis not connected with sexual arousal but resulting from drug treatment or underlying disorder), premature closure of epiphyses (ends of long bones in children). Increased bone growth, masculinization, high blood calcium levels - all in women.