Testosterone propionate

Testosterone propionate: instructions and frequently asked questions

Testosterone propionate is a drug with a specific androgenic effect used to treat low testosterone levels in men. The drug stimulates the functions of the prostate gland, external genitalia, spermatogenesis and activates potency.

The drug is an oily solution for injection, 1 ml of which contains 10 or 50 mg of testosterone propionate (1% or 5%).

The hormone testosterone is an antagonist of oestrogen (the female sex hormone) and has an anti-tumour effect in breast cancer in women.

What are the indications for use for men and women?

Testosterone propionate for men is used in:

• hormone replacement therapy;
• impotence of endocrine origin
• androgen deficiency in elderly patients
• infertility (resulting from impaired spermatogenesis);
• osteoporosis.

Testosterone propionate for women is used in the complex therapy of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Why is testosterone propionate useful for athletes?

It has an anabolic effect, increases protein synthesis, retains potassium and phosphorus in the body and increases muscle mass.

However, Testosterone Propionate is highly inadvisable for use among healthy people for the sole purpose of increasing muscle development and improving physical capacity. Use of the drug is a hormone replacement therapy that, without a doctor’s prescription, can have a detrimental effect on the body’s functions, causing irreversible side effects (especially after its discontinuation).

The drug should only be used as prescribed and after consulting a doctor. In the event of prolonged and uncontrolled use of Testosterone Propionate

• decreased sexual desire (libido);
• the body’s production of the hormone testosterone is suppressed;
• loss of hair, balding of the temporal and occipital part of the head;
• appearance of purulent acne-like rashes (on the back and then on other parts of the body).

Does testosterone propionate have contraindications for use?

Contraindications include:

• individual hypersensitivity
• malignant tumour of the prostate gland;
• coronary heart disease (CHD);
• severe liver and kidney dysfunction;
• hypercalcaemia (excess calcium in the body);
• malignant breast cancer in men, etc.
• The drug is also not prescribed for pregnant or breastfeeding women or children.

The full list of contraindications can be found in the official instructions for use.

Does testosterone propionate have side effects?

The list of possible side effects includes

• in men – increased libido and frequent erections, breast enlargement, testicular atrophy, benign tumour or prostate cancer;
• in women – tightening of the voice, increased facial and body hair;
• nausea
• dizziness;
• cholestatic jaundice;
• oedema;
• hypercalcaemia (excess calcium in the body);
• thrombophlebitis;
• pain at the injection site; reddening and itching of the skin.

In adolescents, the side effects of testosterone propionate may manifest themselves with early puberty.

What is the method of administration and dosage?

In men with eunuchism, congenital underdevelopment of the gonads, their surgical removal or following trauma, and acromegaly, the drug should be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously at 25-50 mg every other day or every 2 days. The duration of treatment depends on the effectiveness of the therapy and the nature of the disease. After improvement of the clinical picture, testosterone propionate should be administered in maintenance doses of 5-10 mg daily or every other day. In impotence of endocrine origin, as well as in male menopause accompanied by vascular and nervous disorders, testosterone propionate should be administered 10 mg daily or 25 mg 2-3 times a week for 1-2 months. For the treatment of male infertility, the drug should be used in doses of 10 mg twice a week for 4-6 months or 50 mg every other day for 10 days. In the case of pathological male menopause, the drug should be prescribed at a dose of 25 mg twice a week for 2 months, with a one-month break for 1-2 months.

For women, as part of complex breast cancer treatment, 100 mg 2-3 times a week.

The drug is administered exclusively intramuscularly, taking into account all the peculiarities of administering oily solutions: very slowly, over 2 minutes.

The dose is chosen by the doctor individually, taking into account the diagnosis, age and concomitant diseases. The course of treatment with Testosterone Propionate depends on the effectiveness of the therapy and the nature of the disease.

How does the drug interact with other medications and with alcohol?

The effect of testosterone propionate can be significantly reduced when combined with barbiturates, rifampin, carbamazepine.

Testosterone propionate enhances the effect of anabolic drugs, vitamins and drugs containing calcium and phosphorous.

Drinking alcohol while taking the drug is not recommended.

Overdose.

If the drug is used in high doses or over a long period of time, the side effects described in the relevant section may occur. In this case, the drug must be discontinued and continued at reduced doses after the androgen-dependent side effects disappear. If necessary, symptomatic treatment is required.