Testosterone Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Testosterone Injection contains a man-made version of testosterone, a hormone the body naturally produces. It belongs to the androgens and anabolic steroids drug class and is given as a shot into a muscle to raise testosterone levels in the blood. It is used to treat low testosterone and certain other conditions in men, boys, and women, as directed by a doctor.

What is Testosterone Injection

Testosterone injection contains a man-made version of testosterone, a hormone your body naturally makes. It is given as a shot into a muscle to raise testosterone levels in the blood.

Testosterone Injection uses

• Treats low testosterone (hypogonadism) in men and boys caused by a specific medical condition, such as a genetic disorder or a problem with certain brain structures
• Treats delayed puberty in boys
• Treats certain types of breast cancer that have spread in women
• Used off-label for gender affirming hormone therapy in gender dysphoria
• Sometimes considered for low sex drive or sexual problems in postmenopausal women when other hormone treatments have not worked

Benefits of Testosterone Injection

• May improve sexual desire and function
• May improve mood and sense of well-being
• May increase energy levels
• May improve cognitive function
• Can help reduce gender dysphoria, depression, and suicidality when used as part of gender affirming care

How Testosterone Injection works

The injection raises the level of testosterone in the blood, restoring it toward the normal range so the body's tissues that depend on this hormone can function more normally.

Testosterone Injection dosage

This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, usually by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Some people are taught to give the injection to themselves at home, usually in the thigh. Do not share this medicine with anyone else.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while receiving this medicine. Keep all appointments for blood tests and check-ups so your care team can monitor your testosterone levels and watch for side effects. If you miss an appointment for your injection, call your doctor's office for instructions.

Available forms and strengths

• Injection

Side effects of Testosterone Injection

Common

• Acne
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site
• Unexpected breast tissue growth
• Headache, anxiety
• Increased facial or body hair growth, male-pattern baldness
• Numbness or tingly feeling
• Increased red blood cell count
• Bruising, pain, bleeding, or swelling at the injection site
• Weight gain
• Increased appetite
• Hot flushes
• Tiredness or weakness
• Excessive sweating

Serious

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Increase in blood pressure
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Mood swings, irritability, or hostility
• Prolonged or painful erection
• Sleep apnea—loud snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime sleepiness
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Blood clot in the lung (pulmonary oil microembolism)—chest pain, dizziness, trouble breathing, urge to cough, throat tightening, and fainting
• Signs of excess testosterone in women—acne, changes in menstrual periods, male-pattern hair growth, hoarse or deepened voice, enlarged clitoris
• Enlarged breasts, small testicles, infertility

Warnings and precautions

Testosterone should not be used by people with prostate cancer, male breast cancer, a serious heart condition, or severe liver or kidney disease. Misusing testosterone can cause dangerous or permanent effects and should only be given by a healthcare professional.

Testosterone injections have been linked to a serious blood clot in the lung called pulmonary oil microembolism, which can be fatal. Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with use of this medication.

This medicine is banned from use in athletes by most athletic organizations and should not be used to enhance athletic performance. Stopping testosterone suddenly may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. This medicine can be abused, so it should be kept safe and never shared, sold, or given away.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy because it can cause serious birth defects. Effective birth control should be used during treatment. It isn't known if testosterone passes into breast milk or could harm a nursing baby, so breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medicine.

People with severe kidney disease should not receive testosterone, and your care team needs to know about any kidney disease before you start. People with severe liver disease should not receive testosterone, and liver problems including liver injury and tumors have been reported with use.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F)
• Do not freeze
• Protect from light
• Follow the directions for the specific product you were prescribed
• Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft; do not share it with anyone, since selling or giving it away is dangerous and against the law

When to see a doctor

Get emergency help right away if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, trouble speaking, or sudden weakness or numbness. Seek emergency medical attention for shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, trouble speaking, pain in the arms, neck, back, or jaw, leg pain, swelling or warmth, fainting, or suicidal thoughts.

Get medical help right away for signs of a blood clot in the lung, such as chest pain, dizziness, trouble breathing, a strong urge to cough, throat tightening, or fainting. Call your doctor at once for chest pain, swelling in the ankles or feet, rapid weight gain, sudden cough, wheezing, coughing up blood, leg pain or swelling, nausea or vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. People with severe side effects should contact their doctor as soon as possible.

Alternatives

• Testosterone Patch
• Testosterone Pellets
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)