$Unique_ID{BRK02031}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{METHYLTESTOSTERONE}
$Subject{Android (Brown)
Metandren (Ciba)
methyltestosterone (various manufacturers)
Oreton Methyl (Schering)
Testred (ICN)
Virilon (Star)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


METHYLTESTOSTERONE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Android (Brown)
     Metandren (Ciba)
     methyltestosterone (various manufacturers)
     Oreton Methyl (Schering)
     Testred (ICN)
     Virilon (Star)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Androgen
INGREDIENT:
     methyltestosterone
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Oral tablets (10 mg and 25 mg)
     Buccal tablets (5 mg and 10 mg)
     Capsules (10 mg)
STORAGE:
     Methyltestosterone should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
       closed container.

USES

     This medication is a synthetic androgen (male hormone) that is used to
treat conditions such as delayed puberty, eunuchism, or impotence in males
whose bodies cannot produce enough testosterone on their own.  The medication
may be used to treat breast cancer in women whose breast tumor responds to
hormone treatment.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take methyltestosterone
oral tablets or capsules with food or with a full glass of water or milk
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The buccal tablet form of methyltestosterone is meant to be absorbed
through the lining of the mouth, rather than swallowed.  The tablet should be
placed between your gum and cheek and allowed to dissolve slowly.  Do not eat,
drink, chew, or smoke while the tablet is dissolving.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose of the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Decrease or increase in sexual desire, diarrhea, headache, loss of
appetite, nausea, stomach irritation, sleeping difficulties, or vomiting.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
acne; black, bloody, or tarry stools; breast enlargement or tenderness;
flushing; frequent or continuous erection; hair loss or growth; hoarseness or
deepening of the voice; increased urination; shortness of breath; skin rash;
swelling of the hands or feet; sore throat; tiredness; unusual bleeding or
bruising; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Methyltestosterone interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. It can increase the effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners,
such as warfarin), which can lead to bleeding complications.
     2. Diabetic patients should know that methyltestosterone can lower blood
sugar levels.  The dosage of oral antidiabetic medication or insulin may,
therefore, require adjustment when this medication is being taken.
     3. Concurrent use of methyltestosterone and adrenocorticosteroids
(cortisone-like medications) can lead to fluid retention.
     Before starting to take methyltestosterone, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to methyltestosterone or to any other androgen
(such as fluoxymesterone or testosterone).
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had breast cancer, fluid retention, heart
disease, hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels), kidney disease, liver
disease, or prostate disorders.
     * Although androgens have been used by athletes to increase muscle
strength, there is no conclusive evidence that these drugs increase athletic
performance.  There is also some question as to their safety.
     * High-dose methyltestosterone therapy may cause infertility in males.
     * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (fainting, rash,
shortness of breath) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  If methyltestosterone
is taken by a pregnant woman, it can cause masculine characteristics in the
developing fetus, such as increased body hair. (Note:  This does NOT affect
the sex of the fetus, which is determined at conception.)  Also, tell your
doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Methyltestosterone passes into
breast milk and can cause masculinization of the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
