Treatment
14
Table 7. Potential Adverse Effects of T Replacement
Adverse events for which there is evidence of association with
T administration
• Erythrocytosis
• Acne and oily skin
• Detection of subclinical prostate cancer
• Growth of metastatic prostate cancer
• Reduced sperm production and fertility
Uncommon adverse events for which there is weak evidence of
association with T administration
• Gynecomastia
• Male pattern balding (familial)
• Growth of breast cancer
• Induction or worsening of obstructive sleep apnea
Formulation-specific adverse effects
Intramuscular injections of T enanthate, cypionate, or undecanoate
• Fluctuation in mood or libido
• Pain at injection site
• Coughing episodes immediately after the intramuscular injection
a
Transdermal patches
• Frequent skin reactions at application site
Transdermal gels and solutions
• Potential risk for T transfer to partner or another person who is in close
contact (need to remind patient to cover application sites with clothing and
to wash skin and hands with soap before having skin-to-skin contact with
another person)
• Skin irritation and odor at application site
• Stickiness, slow drying, dripping
