Testosterone
/api/v1/drug/testosteroneMechanism of action
Sourced from openFDAMechanism-of-action class: Androgen Receptor Agonists.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- MALES Androgens are indicated for replacement therapy in conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. a.
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- Androgens are contraindicated in men with carcinomas of the breast or with known or suspected carcinomas of the prostate. If administered to pregnant women, androgens cause virilization of the external genitalia of the female fetus.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDAPrior to initiating, TESTOPEL ® (testosterone pellets) confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism by ensuring that serum testosterone concentrations have been measured in the morning on at least two separate days and that these serum testosterone concentrations are below the normal range. The suggested dosage for androgens varies depending on the age, and diagnosis of the individual patient. Dosage is adjusted according to the patient’s response and the appearance of adverse reactions. The dosage guideline for the testosterone pellets for replacement therapy in androgen-deficient males is 150mg to 450mg subcutaneously every 3 to 6 months. Various dosage regimens have been used to induce pubertal changes in hypogonadal males; some experts have advocated lower doses initially, gradually increasing the dose as puberty progresses, with or without a decrease in maintenance levels. Other experts emphasize that higher dosages are needed to induce pubertal changes and lower dosages can be used for maintenance after puberty. The chronological and skeletal ages must be taken into consideration, both in determining the initial dose and in adjusting the dose. Dosages in delayed puberty generally are in the lower range of that listed above and, for a limited duration, for example 4 to 6 months. The number of pellets to be implanted depends upon the minimal daily requirements of testosterone propionate determined by a gradual reduction of the amount administered parenterally. The usual dosage is as follows: implant two 75mg pellets for each 25mg testosterone propionate required weekly.
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDAIn patients with breast cancer, androgen therapy may cause hypercalcemia by stimulating osteolysis. In this case, the drug should be discontinued. Prolonged use of high doses of androgens has been associated with the development of peliosis hepatis and hepatic neoplasms including hepatocellular carcinoma (see PRECAUTIONS - Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility). Peliosis hepatis can be a life-threatening or fatal complication. Men treated with androgens may be at an increased risk for the development of prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic carcinoma. There have been postmarketing reports of venous thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients using testosterone products, such as TESTOPEL ® (testosterone pellets). Evaluate patients who report symptoms of pain, edema, warmth and erythema in the lower extremity for DVT and those who present with acute shortness of breath for PE. If a venous thromboembolic event is suspected, discontinue treatment with TESTOPEL ® (testosterone pellets) and initiate appropriate workup and management (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Long term clinical safety trials have not been conducted to assess the cardiovascular outcomes of testosterone replacement therapy in men. To date, epidemiologic studies and randomized controlled trials have been inconclusive for determining the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and cardiovascular death, with the use of testosterone compared to non-use.
Adverse reactions
Sourced from openFDAThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of testosterone replacement therapy, including TESTOPEL ® . Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Implantation Site Infection and Pellet Extrusion: (see WARNINGS) Endocrine and Urogenital, Male. Gynecomastia and excessive frequency and duration of penile erections. Oligospermia may occur at high dosages (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). Skin and Appendages. Hirsutism, male pattern of baldness, and acne. Cardiovascular Disorders. Myocardial infarction, stroke. Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances. Retention of sodium, chloride, water, potassium, calcium and inorganic phosphates. Gastrointestinal. Nausea, cholestatic jaundice, alterations in liver function tests, rarely hepatocellular neoplasms and peliosis hepatis (see WARNINGS ). Hematologic. Suppression of clotting factors II, V, VII, and X, bleeding in patients on concomitant anticoagulant therapy, and polycythemia. Nervous System. Increased or decreased libido, headache, anxiety, depression, and generalized paresthesia. Metabolic. Increased serum cholesterol. Vascular Disorders: Venous thromboembolism (see WARNINGS ). Miscellaneous. Rarely anaphylactoid reactions.
Overdosage
Sourced from openFDAThere have been no reports of acute overdosage with the androgens.
Approval history
Sourced from openFDA- Feb 28, 2000NDANDA021015Besins Hlthcare
- Oct 31, 2002NDANDA021454Endo Operations
- Apr 29, 2011NDANDA022309Besins Hlthcare
- Mar 5, 2014NDANDA022219Endo Operations
- May 28, 2014NDANDA205488Acerus
- Jun 4, 2014NDANDA204399Upsher Smith Labs
- Sep 28, 2018NDANDA209863Antares Pharma Inc
- Mar 27, 2019NDANDA206089Tolmar
FDA shortages
Reference statistics from the openFDA drug-shortage dataset. For a live view, consult the FDA database directly. Not clinical guidance.
- Testosterone, Gel; Gel, Metered, 16.2 mg/1 g (NDC 0591-2925-30)To be discontinuedSponsor: Actavis Pharma, Inc.Updated
FAERS reports
- 1Drug Ineffective3,9187.5%
- 2Myocardial Infarction3,7127.1%
- 3Pain2,6905.2%
- 4Fatigue2,5975.0%
- 5Deep Vein Thrombosis2,3964.6%
- 6Cerebrovascular Accident2,3894.6%
- 7Blood Testosterone Decreased2,3234.5%
- 8Pulmonary Embolism2,2464.3%
- 9Off Label Use2,1134.1%
- 10Anxiety1,8773.6%
- 11Asthenia1,7373.3%
- 12Headache1,4722.8%
- 13Nausea1,4572.8%
- 14Dyspnoea1,3072.5%
- 15Economic Problem1,2322.4%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Testosterone as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Feminizing and masculinizing gender-affirming hormone therapy affects fibrin clot characteristics in opposite directions.Research and practice in thrombosis and haemostasis · 2026 · Bøgehave M, Glintborg D, Christensen LL, et al.PMID 42254455DOI 10.1016/j.rpth.2026.106648
- Predictors of clomiphene citrate response in the treatment of men with testosterone deficiency.The journal of sexual medicine · 2026 · Kim DJ, Assel M, Elshafei A, et al.PMID 42251758DOI 10.1093/jsxmed/qdag159
- The association between reproductive hormones and asthma-related outcomes in boys in the rural Western Cape Province, South Africa.South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde · 2025 · Phuti MS, Dalvie MA, Olaniyan T, et al.PMID 42246785DOI 10.7196/SAMJ.2025.v115i11.3050
- Potential effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles against boldenone-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and reproductive dysfunction in male albino rats.Scientific reports · 2026 · Hassan HM, Mohammed HS, Anajirih N, et al.PMID 42236878DOI 10.1038/s41598-026-55900-3
- Efficacy of Testosterone Replacement Therapy Combined With Exercise on Body Composition in Hypogonadal Men.International journal of urology : official journal of the Japanese Urological Association · 2026 · Shigehara K, Shinzawa R, Sakatoku N, et al.PMID 42204934DOI 10.1111/iju.70524
- [Electroacupuncture improves hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function and testosterone synthesis in high-fat diet-induced obese male rats].Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research · 2026 · Zhang JY, Shen YF, Yu KQ, et al.PMID 42185056DOI 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20250497
- Testosterone and androgen receptor pathway modulation in sepsis: immunometabolic mechanisms and therapeutic implications - a scoping review.Frontiers in endocrinology · 2026 · Szczupak M, Kobak J, Kreczko M, et al.PMID 42181187DOI 10.3389/fendo.2026.1801055
- Fractionated testosterone gel replacement therapy in clinical practice: A real-world exploratory clinical experience.Endocrine · 2026 · Maltese V, Delbarba A, Gatta E, et al.PMID 42176213DOI 10.1007/s12020-026-04659-8
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 1,009 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Testosterone as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- Comparison Between Calculated Bioavailable Testosterone Level With Radio-immunoassay Result.Completed · Observational · 270 enrolled · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, AmiensNCT04807231updated 2026-06-12
- Testing the Anti-cancer Drug Darolutamide in Patients With Testosterone-Driven Salivary Gland CancersActive not recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 21 enrolled · National Cancer Institute (NCI)NCT05669664updated 2026-06-11
- Clinical Trial to Observe the Effects of Tamoxifen on Testosterone Recovery in Medically Castrated Prostate Cancer PatientsNot yet recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 96 enrolled · University Health Network, TorontoNCT07535905updated 2026-06-10
- Bipolar Androgen Therapy to Restore Sensitivity to Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Patients With Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate CancerRecruiting · Phase 1 · Interventional · 14 enrolled · Roswell Park Cancer InstituteNCT06305598updated 2026-06-10
- Study Comparing AAA817+ARPI Versus Standard of Care in Adult Participants With PSMA-positive mCRPCRecruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 940 enrolled · Novartis PharmaceuticalsNCT06855277updated 2026-06-10
- A Study of Apalutamide in Participants With High-Risk, Localized or Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer Who Are Candidates for Radical ProstatectomyActive not recruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 2,517 enrolled · Janssen Research & Development, LLCNCT03767244updated 2026-06-05
- Investigating Novel Interventions for Low Back Pain in US Military Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Adaptive Phase II TrialNot yet recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 108 enrolled · VA Office of Research and DevelopmentNCT05935761updated 2026-06-04
- A Randomized Controlled Trial of Combined Bu Shen Yi Qi Decoction and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for the Treatment of Ovarian Function DeclineRecruiting · Phase 1 · Phase 2 · Interventional · 74 enrolled · Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese MedicineNCT07535983updated 2026-06-03
- A Deep Learning Method to Evaluate QT on RibociclibCompleted · Observational · 70 enrolled · CMC Ambroise ParéNCT05623397updated 2026-06-03
- Enzalutamide and PDS01ADC in PET Positive Recurrent Prostate Cancer (pprPC) Without Testosterone Lowering TherapyRecruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 65 enrolled · National Cancer Institute (NCI)NCT06096870updated 2026-06-02
Structural analogs
Ranked by 2D fingerprint (Tanimoto) similarity over PubChem structures. Structural proximity only — not a claim of therapeutic equivalence.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Testosterone work?
- Mechanism-of-action class: Androgen Receptor Agonists.
- What is Testosterone used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Testosterone carries indications including: MALES Androgens are indicated for replacement therapy in conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. a.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Testosterone?
- Testosterone is classified as 3-oxoandrosten (4) derivatives, Androgen, Androgen Receptor Agonists, Stimulate Penile Development.
- What are the brand names for Testosterone?
- Testosterone is marketed under brand names including Androderm, Androgel, Aveed, Azmiro, Depo-testosterone, Fortesta, Jatenzo, Kyzatrex.
- What are the contraindications for Testosterone?
- Testosterone labeling lists contraindications including: Androgens are contraindicated in men with carcinomas of the breast or with known or suspected carcinomas of the prostate. If administered to pregnant women, androgens cause virilization of the external genitalia of the female fetus.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
testosterone is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.