Depo-Testosterone: Full Instructions

Depo-Testosterone is the brand name for testosterone cypionate, a medication used to treat hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency, low testosterone, Low T) in men. In certain situations, an oncologist may prescribe injectable testosterone to treat metastatic breast cancer in women. The review of Depo-Testosterone below covers injectable testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men. Topics of interest include:

• Description information about Depo-Testosterone
• Instructions for use, including indications, contraindications, benefits, side effects, administration, and drug interactions
• Depo-Testosterone clinical pharmacology

The purpose of this analysis is to provide detailed information to help men determine if Depo-Testosterone is the right treatment for their needs. We begin by answering the following questions:

How do I know if I have low testosterone?

All men (and women) experience a decline in testosterone levels as they age. Because the body naturally adjusts to hormonal changes, most people will not notice any signs of this reduction. For them, there is no reason to seek treatment. However, for those who do, symptoms of Low T will make themselves known. Check out the list of hypogonadism signs under indications in the Depo-Testosterone Instructions section below.

Why do so many doctors recommend testosterone cypionate injections over other forms of TRT?

Injectable testosterone provides the best and fastest absorption into the bloodstream, which is where it needs to go to travel throughout the body to the many androgen receptor cells (RCs). Not only do you get the fastest results from using testosterone cypionate, but you also get the lowest cost of treatment and fewest side effects.

How do I find out if I have low testosterone?

If you have any of the symptoms (indications) of Low T, you will want to contact a doctor who specializes in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In most cases, that will be an endocrinologist, although some other specialists may also engage in advanced study of the endocrine system and hormonal imbalances. The HRT specialist will run diagnostic blood panels that measure various hormone and other blood levels to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Description

Depo-Testosterone is a complex therapy designed for the treatment of male hypogonadism. Testosterone cypionate is an intramuscular injection that comes as a white or creamy white, odorless crystalline powder. As a steroid hormone, it is insoluble in water, which means it cannot transport through the bloodstream on its own. Testosterone is freely soluble in various types of ether, alcohol, dioxane, and chloroform, and soluble in vegetable oils.

For transport through the bloodstream, testosterone attaches to a protein, either sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin. At the RC site, testosterone breaks free from the protein binding to enter the cell.

The use of an ester allows the testosterone to absorb slowly into the bloodstream. The type of ester used determines how long the testosterone will last. Testosterone cypionate uses cottonseed oil as its ester, allowing for slow absorption over a period of a few weeks. The half-life of testosterone cypionate is approximately eight days.

Depo-Testosterone, which has a molecular weight of 412.61 and a molecular formula of C27H40O3, comes in two strengths, as shown below:

100 mg: Each mL contains:

• Testosterone cypionate 100 mg
• Cottonseed oil 736 mg
• Benzyl benzoate 1 mL
• Benzyl alcohol ( preservative) 45 mg

200 mg: Each mL contains:

• Testosterone cypionate 200 mg
• Cottonseed oil 560 mg
• Benzyl benzoate 2 mL
• Benzyl alcohol (preservative) 45 mg

Instructions

Testosterone therapy is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and mind in people who have clinically diagnosed low testosterone levels. Depo-Testosterone is one of the best-known brands of testosterone cypionate injections.

How does low testosterone occur?

Hypogonadism can be primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on the cause and origin.

• Primary hypogonadism: caused by testicular failure
• Secondary hypogonadism: due to pituitary gland problems
• Tertiary hypogonadism: resulting from hypothalamic issues

Genetics, illness, tumors (testes, hypothalamus, pituitary gland), injury to the head or testes, radiation, surgery, other medical issues or treatments, or unknown causes can lead to hypogonadism. Here are the facts that men need to know before starting treatment with Depo-Testosterone:

Indications

The signs and symptoms of Low T below are indicators that you may benefit from the use of Depo-Testosterone:

• Sleep disorders or insomnia
• Fatigue, low endurance
• Weight gain (especially abdominal)
• Muscle loss
• Joint pains
• Stiffness
• Bone loss
• Forgetfulness
• Brain fog
• Poor concentration
• High cholesterol
• Thinning hair or balding
• Mood changes, including depression and anxiety
• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• High blood pressure
• Anemia

Dosage & Administration

Depo-Testosterone is an intramuscular injection – do not administer it via subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The best location for a testosterone cypionate injection is the gluteal or thigh muscle.

Most men will administer Depo-Testosterone at home once every 14 days. The dosage depends on a man’s level of deficiency, age, body composition, and health. The initial dosage and frequency of administration may change over the course of treatment, dependent on patient response, results, and adverse reactions.

 Storage and Use

Depo-Testosterone requires storage at room temperature, in a cool, dry location away from light. Do not place Depo-Testosterone in the refrigerator or freezer, and do not leave it in a car as it is also heat sensitive. Never inject testosterone that contains crystals or other particles. Always check the expiration date on the vial before each use.

 Drug Interactions

The use of androgens may result in sensitivity increase to oral anticoagulants, necessitating the need to reduce the anticoagulant dosage. Testosterone may alter blood glucose levels, so insulin requirements for diabetics may require alteration. Androgen use may interact with oxyphenbutazone, elevating serum levels, and necessitating a reduction in dosage. Do not change any medication dosages without first speaking with your hormone specialist.

Effects

As with all medical treatments, TRT can produce both positive and negative effects. The positive aspects of testosterone therapy are the benefits, which includes but is not limited to, the following:

• Better sleep and more energy
• Improved body composition (muscle gain, fat loss)
• Stronger bones and reduced pain and stiffness
• Sharper brain functions and memory
• Enhanced sexual desire and performance
• Better hair growth
• Improved cognitive functions
• Happier mood, less depression

While most men will experience no side effects other than possible injection site reactions, the following adverse reactions could occur:

• Mood changes
• Fatigue
• Oily skin
• Adult acne
• Weight gain
• Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Changes in hair growth
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Nausea
• Changes in libido
• Prolonged or more frequent erections
• Headache
• Depression

Warnings & Precautions

Depo-Testosterone use is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Prostate cancer, unless cleared for use by the oncologist
• Hypersensitivity (allergy) to ingredients in Depo-Testosterone
• Serious hepatic, renal, or cardiac disease
• Male breast cancer
• Female pregnancy

High doses of testosterone for an extended time can result in the following:

• Increased risk of thromboembolic events (blood clots and pulmonary embolism)
• Liver issues
• Testicular atrophy
• Infertility

 Overdose

Acute overdose from Depo-Testosterone is rare. Report any unusual or concerning reactions to your doctor. Men who abuse testosterone cypionate may experience any of the following:

• Aggressive behaviors
• Risk-taking actions
• Major depression
• Irritability
• Testicular shrinkage
• Reduced sperm count

 How Supplied

• 100 mg/mL in 10 mL vials
• 200 mg/mL in 1 mL vials
• 200 mg/mL in 10 mL vials

Clinical Pharmacology

Testosterone is an androgen hormone that is crucial for male sex organ development, as well as male and female fertility, muscle mass and bone density preservation, metabolism, brain functions, and heart health. Depo-Testosterone is an exogenous version of testosterone, provided to the body via intramuscular injection, to make up for what the male testes no longer produce.

Men who suffer from ongoing and untreated Low T are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, and other health concerns. Testosterone therapy is crucial for maintaining good health, emotional well-being, and vitality.

A hormone specialist requires the following steps for diagnosing and treating male hypogonadism:

• Consultation
• Examination
• Blood analysis
• Medical history review

Our hormone clinic offers consultations by phone to save our clients time and money over the course of their treatment. We also review various pharmaceutical company assistance programs to get the best possible price for treatment.

To learn more about hypogonadism, Depo-Testosterone, and other treatment options, please contact our clinic for a free, confidential consultation today.