Andriol Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Andriol Capsule contains testosterone undecanoate, an androgen used for testosterone replacement therapy in men with confirmed testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism). It may also be used for delayed puberty in carefully selected boys and for osteoporosis caused by low androgen levels. It is not for use in women or in children under 18. Blood testosterone levels are checked regularly, and the dose may be adjusted based on results.

What is Andriol Capsule

Andriol is a capsule containing testosterone undecanoate, a male hormone. It is given to men whose bodies do not make enough testosterone, a condition called hypogonadism, to bring testosterone levels back toward normal.

Andriol Capsule uses

• Testosterone replacement therapy in adult men with a deficiency or absence of their own testosterone (hypogonadism)
• Male hypogonadism, including after removal of the testes, pituitary problems, impotence from hormone causes, infertility from sperm production problems, low libido and low energy
• Delayed puberty in carefully selected boys with clearly delayed puberty not caused by another illness
• Osteoporosis (bone thinning) caused by low androgen levels

Benefits of Andriol Capsule

• Restores testosterone to normal blood levels in men with confirmed testosterone deficiency
• Can improve symptoms such as low sex drive, erectile problems, tiredness, low mood, and bone loss linked to low hormone levels
• Can help stimulate puberty and development of male sexual characteristics in selected boys with delayed puberty
• May help increase muscle mass and bone mineral density and reduce fat in men with confirmed deficiency

How Andriol Capsule works

Andriol is absorbed from the gut and carried into the bloodstream, delivering testosterone to raise blood testosterone levels and ease the symptoms of testosterone deficiency.

Andriol Capsule dosage

Take Andriol with a meal, because food helps the medicine absorb properly into the body. Swallow the capsule whole with water or another drink; do not chew it. If your daily dose is more than one capsule, take half in the morning and half in the evening; if the total number of capsules is uneven, take the larger share in the morning.

If you forget a dose, take it at your next scheduled time or the next day — do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. This medicine is not for use in children under 18 or in women. Your doctor will check your blood testosterone levels regularly and may adjust your dose based on the results.

Available forms and strengths

Capsule

Side effects of Andriol Capsule

Common

• Weight gain
• Acne
• Hair loss/baldness
• Trouble sleeping
• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Enlargement of breasts in males (gynecomastia) and breast pain
• Mood changes, depression
• Fluid retention/swelling of feet or lower legs
• High blood pressure
• Increase in red blood cell count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin

Serious

• Liver problems with symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, vomiting of blood, yellow eyes or skin
• Swelling of feet or lower legs in patients with heart, kidney or liver damage
• Flushing or redness of skin or any changes in skin colour
• Skin rash or itching; hives
• Black, tarry, or light-coloured stools; dark coloured urine
• Purple or red-coloured spots on body or inside the mouth or nose
• Sore throat and/or fever
• Continuing abdominal or stomach pain, tenderness, or swelling in the upper abdomen
• Continuing loss of appetite; unpleasant breath odour
• Confusion, frequent or continuing dizziness or headache, mental depression
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual bleeding; unusual tiredness
• Erections that are too frequent, too long, or too painful; frequent urge to urinate
• Heart attack and stroke
• Blood clot in the lungs or legs

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you have, or are suspected of having, prostate or breast cancer.
• Do not use this medicine if you have difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate.
• Do not use testosterone to try to lose weight, build muscle, or improve athletic performance — this can cause serious health problems.
• Do not use this medicine to treat sexual dysfunction or male infertility unless testosterone deficiency has been confirmed.
• This medicine can speed up bone maturation in boys, which may limit final adult height; bone development should be checked every six months during treatment for delayed puberty.
• This medicine contains a controlled substance and may be habit-forming if misused.
• Older men using this medicine may have a higher risk of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer, and should be monitored regularly.
• This medicine contains Sunset Yellow dye, which may cause allergic reactions.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel problems or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots, as this medicine may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
• Andriol must not be used by women, including pregnant women. It may harm an unborn baby. Andriol must not be used by breastfeeding women.
• Use with caution if you have kidney disease, and tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you have kidney problems. Use with caution if you have liver disease; tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you have liver problems.
• It is not clearly known how this medicine interacts with alcohol, so check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking it.
• This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Storage

• Store between 15 and 30°C.
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Do not refrigerate.
• Keep the blister in the outer carton.
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away if you notice signs of liver problems such as nausea, vomiting (including vomiting blood), or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Get medical help immediately if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
• Seek medical attention for swelling of the face, hands, feet, or lower legs, especially if you have heart, kidney, or liver disease.
• Seek help for erections that happen too often, last too long, or are painful, or for frequent urges to urinate.
• Contact your doctor if you have unusual bleeding or unusual tiredness.
• If you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine, contact a doctor, hospital emergency department, or your local poison control center right away, even if there are no symptoms.

Alternatives

• Testosterone Patch
• Testosterone Gel
• Testosterone Enanthate