Androderm Patch: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Androderm is a prescription testosterone skin patch used to treat men whose bodies do not produce enough testosterone on their own. It belongs to the androgens drug class and works by delivering testosterone through the skin to restore normal hormone levels. Androderm has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States, though this information may still be useful for understanding how it worked.

What is Androderm Patch

Androderm, generic name testosterone transdermal system, is a prescription skin patch that contains testosterone, a naturally occurring male hormone. It is used to treat men whose bodies do not make enough testosterone on their own.

Androderm Patch uses

• Treats low or absent testosterone in adult men caused by certain medical conditions (hypogonadism)
• Treats primary hypogonadism (testicular failure) from causes such as undescended testicles, testicular injury, certain infections, surgical removal of the testicles, Klinefelter Syndrome, chemotherapy, or toxic damage from alcohol or heavy metals
• Treats hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, where the brain's pituitary or hypothalamus does not produce enough hormones to stimulate the testicles

Benefits of Androderm Patch

• Helps restore testosterone levels in men with confirmed deficiency
• May improve sexual desire
• May improve energy and well-being
• Helps maintain muscle mass
• Supports bone health in men with low testosterone

How Androderm Patch works

Testosterone and a related hormone called DHT are responsible for normal male sexual development, including growth of the prostate, penis, and scrotum, male hair growth patterns, voice deepening, and changes in muscle and fat distribution. Androderm delivers testosterone through the skin to restore these hormone levels in men whose bodies are not producing enough on their own.

Androderm Patch dosage

Apply the patch to a clean, dry area of skin on the back, stomach, upper arms, or thighs. Do not apply to the scrotum. Avoid applying over bony areas or spots that get pressed on during sleep or sitting. Change the application site every time, waiting at least 7 days before reusing the same spot. Avoid oily, damaged, or irritated skin when choosing a site.

Apply the patch immediately after opening its pouch and removing the liner; press firmly in place, especially around the edges. Apply at about the same time each night. Wait at least 3 hours after applying before showering, bathing, or swimming. The patch does not need to be removed during sex or while bathing, after the 3-hour wait.

Do not cut the patch, and do not use it if the pouch seal is broken or the patch is damaged. If the patch becomes loose, smooth it down by pressing firmly around the edges; do not tape it to the skin. If a patch falls off before noon, apply a new one and keep it on until your regular evening time; if it falls off after noon, wait until your regular time to apply a new one.

Heavy exercise or sweating may cause the patch to loosen or fall off. Remove the patch before having an MRI scan, since it contains aluminum which can cause skin burns.

Available forms and strengths

• Transdermal system (skin patch), 2 mg/day and 4 mg/day strengths

Side effects of Androderm Patch

Common

• Redness, itching, burning, irritation, or hardened skin where the patch is worn
• Breast swelling or tenderness
• Increased acne or hair growth
• Headache
• Depressed mood
• Changes in sex drive
• Back pain
• Prostate abnormalities

Serious

• Burn-like blistering of the skin where the patch is worn
• Skin irritation that does not improve over time
• Problems with urination
• Swelling of the ankles
• Frequent or prolonged erections
• Nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs (leg pain, swelling, or redness; difficulty breathing or chest pain)
• Signs of heart attack or stroke

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine may worsen symptoms in men with an enlarged prostate and may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Your doctor should check your prostate before and during treatment.
• This medicine should not be used by men with breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer.
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs have been reported with this medicine.
• Some studies suggest this medicine may raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Women and children should avoid contact with this medicine, since skin contact can cause unwanted hormone effects.
• This medicine may increase red blood cell counts, which can raise the risk of blood clots.
• This medicine may worsen sleep apnea, especially in people who are obese or have lung disease.
• This medicine contains aluminum, which can cause skin burns during an MRI scan if the patch is not removed beforehand.
• High doses of this medicine may reduce sperm count and affect fertility, possibly permanently.
• This medicine is a controlled substance because it can be misused; never share it with others.
• Women should not use this medicine, especially during pregnancy, because testosterone can cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
• Androderm is not meant for use by women, including breastfeeding women, because of the risk of serious effects in nursing infants.
• No studies have looked at how this medicine affects people with kidney problems, so caution and monitoring by a doctor are advised.
• No studies have looked at how this medicine affects people with liver problems, so caution and monitoring by a doctor are advised.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Keep the patch in its sealed pouch until you are ready to use it; do not store it outside the pouch
• Do not use damaged patches
• Throw away used patches by folding them in half so the sticky sides stick together, then disposing of them in household trash in a way that prevents children, pets, or others from accidentally touching or swallowing them

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you have signs of a blood clot, such as leg pain, swelling, or redness, or chest pain and trouble breathing.
• Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening urinary problems, such as needing to urinate often, trouble starting your stream, or being unable to urinate.
• Seek care if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools, or stomach pain, which can be signs of liver problems.
• Get help immediately for signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, cold sweats, arm pain, trouble speaking, or weakness on one side of the body.
• Call your doctor if you have erections that are more frequent or last longer than usual.
• Talk to your doctor if you notice swelling of the ankles, feet, or body.

Alternatives

• Testosterone gel
• Natesto
• Axiron