Axiron: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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1. What are the uses of Axiron?

This medicinal solution contains testosterone. It is used to replace male hormones in patients who are unable to produce enough testosterone (hypogonadism). This medication is absorbed through the skin, enters the bloodstream, and helps your body reach normal testosterone levels.
Testosterone helps the body develop and maintain male sex characteristics, such as a deep voice and body hair. It also helps maintain muscle and prevent bone loss, which is essential for natural sexual ability and libido.

2. Indications of the drug Axiron

Axiron is indicated for replacement therapy in men for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone.
Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): testicular failure due to conditions such as testicular insufficiency, bilateral torsion, orchitis, vanishing orchitis syndrome, orchiectomy, syndrome Klinefelter, chemotherapy, or alcohol or heavy metal damage. These men often have low serum testosterone and gonadotropins (FSH, LH) levels above normal. Secondary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) deficiency or pituitary-hypothalamic damage from tumor, trauma, or radiation. These individuals have low serum testosterone levels but have normal or low levels of gonadotropins.

3. Contraindications of the drug Axiron

Axiron is contraindicated in men with known or suspected carcinoma of the breast or carcinoma of the prostate.
The drug is contraindicated in women who are, or may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Axiron may cause serious adverse reactions in the fetus and nursing infant. If a pregnant woman is exposed to Axiron, she must be tested for the possible risk to the fetus.

4. How to take Axiron

Axiron is a clear solution in a pump bottle containing 30 milligrams (mg) per pump. It contains an extra cap that you use to apply the medication to your skin. When using Axiron for the first time, the patient will be instructed on how to start the syringe by pressing down on the syringe three times, discarding the first 3 injections. This pump priming should only be performed prior to the first use of each vial. Holding the applicator upright, use it to apply the medication to the clean, dry skin under the armpits as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Avoid applying this medication to damaged or irritated skin. After applying, do not rub the solution directly with your fingers or hands. If your dosage requires you to apply more medicine to the same underarm area, wait for the medicine to dry before applying more medicine. Do not apply this medication to other areas of the body, including the genitals (penis or scrotum).

Dosage is based on your medical condition, test results and response to treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully for the correct number of pumps for each dose.
After applying the medication, wait a few minutes for the area to dry completely before dressing. Be sure to always wear clothing (such as a t-shirt) to cover the application site until you have washed the area with soap and water. Avoid swimming, bathing, or activity that causes heavy sweating for up to two hours after using the medicine.
After applying this medication, rinse the applicator cup under running water and then pat dry with a paper towel. Reinsert the tool and cap back into the bottle. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

5. Side effects of the drug Axiron

The most common side effects of Axiron include: Redness or irritation at the site of application, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, acne.
In addition, Axiron can cause serious side effects including: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat, persistent nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes, jaundice, swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles, pain or enlargement of breasts, very slow or shallow breathing, trouble urinating, nocturia, mental or mood changes, depression, agitation, testicular pain, fast heartbeat, or irregular breathing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, pain in the chest, jaw, and left arm, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness, fainting, pain, swelling or heat in the calf, sudden or severe headache tremors, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side of the body, decreased vision, tremors, decreased sperm production.
Abuse of drugs containing testosterone can cause serious side effects such as heart disease (including heart attack), stroke, liver disease, mental problems, abnormal drug behavior or bone growth properly (in adolescents). Do not increase your dose or use this medicine more often or for longer than the dose prescribed. When you abuse testosterone, you can have withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, irritability, fatigue) when you suddenly stop taking it. These symptoms can last from a few weeks to several months.

6. Be careful when using Axiron

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breast cancer (men), prostate problems (cancer, prostate enlargement or BPH), sleep apnea, high cholesterol, bone cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (such as heart failure, heart attack), stroke, blood clots. In patients with diabetes, especially those who are taking insulin, testosterone can lower your blood sugar. Take care to treat hypoglycemia while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, tingling in your arms or legs. Direct contact with the application area may expose others to secondary exposure to this medication. Women and children should avoid contact with any patient's applied skin. Wash the treated area thoroughly with soap and water if you want to have skin-to-skin contact with others. If a woman or child comes into contact with the application area, the skin on the woman or child should be washed with soap and water immediately. If this medication accidentally gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes immediately with clean warm water. Some men, especially older adults, have an increased risk of prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate when using this medicine. Therefore, it is important to check your risk of prostate problems before you start taking testosterone. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, which can affect bone growth. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the child's height periodically. Women should not take this medicine. Women who are unknowingly exposed to the drug may experience testosterone-related side effects. If you notice symptoms in women such as a change in body hair or a lot of acne, see your doctor right away. Pregnant or nursing women must avoid exposure to this drug. This medicine may harm an unborn baby or a nursing baby. According to research findings published in the journal Clinical Endocrinology, topical medications such as Axiron are safe and effective for increasing testosterone levels and improving quality of life in men with low testosterone levels. However, the US Food and Drug Administration warns users that this testosterone replacement therapy may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in some people. The FDA recommends that men regularly monitor their health while using these products.

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Reference sources: webmd.com, rxlist.com