Androgel
Androgel: instructions for use and reviews
- 1. Release form and composition
- 2. Pharmacological properties
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Contraindications
- 5. Method of application and dosage
- 6. Side effects
- 7. Overdose
- 8. Special instructions
- 9. Application during pregnancy and lactation
- 10. Use in childhood
- 11. In case of impaired renal function
- 12. For violations of liver function
- 13. Drug interactions
- 14. Analogs
- 15. Terms and conditions of storage
- 16. Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
- 17. Reviews
- 18. Price in pharmacies
Latin name: Androgel
ATX code: G03BA03
Active ingredient: testosterone (testosterone)
Manufacturer: Laboratoires Besins International (France), Besins Manufacturing Belgium (Belgium)
Description and photo update: 2019-20-08
Prices in pharmacies: from 2458 rubles.
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Androgel is an androgenic drug for external use.
Release form and composition
Androgel is produced in the form of a colorless transparent gel in disposable sachets of 25 and 50 mg (10 or 30 sachets with the drug in a cardboard box).
The active ingredient is the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for the development of the external and internal genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics in men. 1 g of the product contains 10 mg of testosterone.
Excipients: isopropyl myristate, sodium hydroxide, ethanol 96%, purified water, carbomer.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
Endogenous androgens secreted by the testes (mainly testosterone) and dihydrotestosterone (the main metabolite) are responsible for the development of the internal and external genital organs, as well as the development / maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics (coarsening of the voice, stimulation of hair growth) and libido.
Androgel has a general effect on protein anabolism, the distribution of subcutaneous fat and the development of skeletal muscles, reduces the excretion of water, potassium, sodium, nitrogen, chlorides and phosphates in the urine. Testosterone does not stimulate testicular development, but decreases the pituitary secretion of gonadotropins.
On some target organs (adipose tissue, pituitary gland, bones, brain, etc.), the effects of the drug appear after the peripheral conversion of testosterone to estradiol, which subsequently binds to estrogen receptors in the nuclei of target organ cells.
Pharmacokinetics
The degree of absorption of testosterone when applied externally is in the range of 9-14% of the applied dose.
After absorption through the skin, the substance enters the systemic circulation and remains in relatively constant concentrations for 24 hours. Serum testosterone concentration increases from the first hour after Androgel application and reaches a constant value from the second day of therapy. The diurnal fluctuations in testosterone concentration have the same amplitude as in the changes in endogenous testosterone levels observed in circadian rhythms.
When applied externally, there are no supraphysiological peaks in the concentration of testosterone in the blood that occur with the injection route of administration. In contrast to oral administration of androgens, external therapy does not lead to an increase in the level of steroids in the liver above physiological norms. The use of 5 g of Androgel causes an average increase in the plasma testosterone concentration in the blood by about 2.5 ng / ml (8.7 nmol / L).
The main active metabolites of testosterone are estradiol and dihydrotestosterone.
After the end of therapy, the testosterone content begins to decrease approximately 24 hours after the last application. The concentration returns to baseline approximately 72–96 hours after the last dose.
Excretion is carried out mainly in the form of conjugated testosterone metabolites with feces and urine.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, Androgel is used for replacement therapy for endogenous testosterone deficiency.
Contraindications
Androgel is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity, prostate cancer, breast carcinoma, as well as if the presence of these diseases is suspected.
Instructions for the use of Androgel: method and dosage
Therapeutic daily dosage of Androgel gel is 5 g, or 50 mg in terms of testosterone.
The gel is applied once a day, preferably at the same time.
During therapy, depending on laboratory parameters, the dosage of Androgel is increased, the correction is carried out gradually, 2.5 g of gel per day. The dosage regimen is changed on the third day of therapy after determining the morning testosterone level. The maximum allowable dose is 10 g.
Androgel gel is applied to dry and clean, without damage, skin of the abdomen, forearms, shoulders. The drug should not be applied to the genital area, because due to the alcohol contained in the preparation, irritation may appear. The contents of the bag are applied to the skin immediately after opening and spread in a thin layer. It is not necessary to rub the product into the skin, it should be applied 5 minutes before dressing so that the gel has time to dry.
After treating the skin with the drug, you must wash your hands and take precautions: be sure to wear clothes to cover the treated areas and prevent possible contact with strangers, especially children. Before intercourse, it is recommended to take a shower and wash off the drug.
Side effects
The use of Androgel can cause the following side effects:
- Dry and irritated skin
- Gynecomastia;
- Changes in the prostate gland;
- Mammalgia;
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
- Amnesia;
- Paresthesia;
- Hyperesthesia;
- Mood changes;
- Increased pressure;
- Diarrhea;
- Baldness;
- Erythema;
- Acne.
When using Androgel in high doses, nervousness, weight gain, frequent and prolonged erections can be observed. In this case, the dosage must be adjusted or the drug withdrawn.
Overdose
There is no information on cases of Androgel overdose.
There is a description of only one case of overdose after injecting testosterone. It manifested itself as a stroke in a patient with a high plasma testosterone concentration of 114 ng / ml (395 nmol / L). However, it is unlikely that such plasma testosterone concentrations can be achieved when applied to the skin.
special instructions
The use of Androgel is allowed only with a testosterone deficiency, which is accompanied by a change in body structure, regression of secondary sexual characteristics, asthenia, deterioration of libido, erectile dysfunction. Before starting therapy, other causes that could cause similar symptoms are necessarily excluded.
The drug is prescribed with caution in the presence of malignant tumors, in severe renal and hepatic failure, in ischemia, hypertension, migraine and epilepsy.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
Due to the possible virilizing effect on the fetus, pregnant women should avoid any contact with the gel. In case of accidental contact, the place of contact should be washed as soon as possible with soap and water.
Pediatric use
There is no experience of using Androgel in pediatrics.
With impaired renal function
In patients with renal insufficiency, Androgel is used under medical supervision.
For violations of liver function
In patients with hepatic impairment, Androgel is used under medical supervision.
Drug interactions
- anticoagulants for oral administration: it is possible to increase their effect on the body; combined therapy should be carried out with caution, frequent monitoring of prothrombin time is recommended, especially at the beginning / end of the course of Androgel use;
- adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosteroids: the likelihood of edema increases; combination therapy should be carried out with caution, especially against the background of heart, liver or kidney disease;
- Thyroxine-binding globulin: Androgel can decrease its level, which leads to a decrease in serum T4 concentrations and an increase in sensitivity to T3 and T4. At the same time, there is no change in the level of free thyroid hormones, and clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism are not observed.
Analogs
Androgel analogues are Andriol, Nebido, Testosterone, Testosterone Caprinate, Testosterone Isocapronate and Testosterone Propionate.
Terms and conditions of storage
Store at temperatures up to 25 ° C out of the reach of children.
The shelf life is 3 years.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Dispensed by prescription.
Reviews about Androgel
According to a few reviews, Androgel is an effective drug. They also note its good tolerance and convenient method of application. The cost is assessed as high, however, patients indicate that it corresponds to the quality of the gel and the therapeutic effect.
The price of Androgel in pharmacies
The approximate price for Androgel (1% gel, 30 sachets of 5 g) is 2381–2698 rubles.
Androgel: prices in online pharmacies
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Drug name Price Pharmacy |
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Androgel 10 mg / g gel for external use 5 g 30 pcs. 2458 RUB Buy |
Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
