Androderm

Androderm^® is a transdermal testosterone patch that helps restore testosterone to a normal level in men who have low or no testosterone due to various medical conditions, such as pituitary disorders, testicular failure, or genetic syndromes. The medication aims to alleviate the symptoms of low testosterone, including fatigue, reduced libido, depression, and decreased muscle mass. 

The patch delivers testosterone steadily through the skin. It is typically applied once daily to clean, dry skin on the back, abdomen, thighs, or upper arms. 

Some common side effects include skin irritation at the application site, backache, headache, mood changes, and fluid retention. More serious adverse effects may include elevated red blood cell count (polycythemia), sleep apnea, or worsening of underlying prostate conditions.

Androderm has been discontinued in the US and several other countries. Healthcare providers may recommend alternative testosterone treatments in the form of other topicals, oral therapies, implantable pellets, or injectables.

Androderm (testosterone) is indicated for:

• Replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone

  • Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired)

  • Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired)

Androgen

The most common adverse reactions (incidence >3%) are:

• Application site reactions

• Back pain

Where it is available, the cost of Androderm may vary depending on factors such as the quantity, dosage, and where you buy it. 

The average retail price of Androderm was about $650 for a one- or two-month supply, depending on the dosage. However, the medication has been discontinued and is not available to purchase in the US and several other countries.

• Men with carcinoma of the breast or known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate

• Women who are pregnant. Testosterone may cause fetal harm

• Drug interactions: Androgens may decrease blood glucose and insulin requirement in diabetic patients, changes in anticoagulant activity may be seen with androgens, use of testosterone with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or corticosteroids may result in increased fluid retention

• Monitor patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH

• Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have been reported in patients using testosterone products

• Some postmarketing studies have shown an increased risk of heart attack and stroke associated with the use of testosterone replacement therapy

• Avoid exposure of women to Androderm

• Exogenous administration of testosterone may lead to azoospermia

• Edema with or without congestive heart failure, may be a complication in patients with pre-existing cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease

• Sleep apnea may occur in those with risk factors

• Monitor serum testosterone, prostate specific antigen (PSA), liver function, lipid concentrations, hematocrit and hemoglobin periodically

• Skin burns have been reported at the application site in patients wearing an aluminized transdermal system during a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI)

*This information is from the label for brand name Androderm^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Testosterone, the active ingredient in Androderm, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient testosterone.