Testavan®

Testavan® is a testosterone gel (2%) with a convenient metered-dose dispenser, used as hormone replacement therapy in adult men with confirmed testosterone deficiency.

The gel is applied once daily with an applicator to the upper arm and shoulder. The metered-dose dispenser allows precise dosing. Each pump actuation releases a defined amount of testosterone, which makes individual dose adjustment easier.

Mechanism of action:

• Transdermal absorption of testosterone through the skin
• Restoration of physiological testosterone levels
• Binding to androgen receptors in muscle, bone, the CNS, and the genital organs

Effects:

• Improvement of libido and erectile function
• Increase in energy and drive
• Promotion of muscle building
• Stabilization of bone density
• Improvement of mood

Special feature: Testavan® is applied with an applicator to the upper arm and shoulder so that your hands do not come into contact with the gel. This lowers the risk of testosterone transfer.

Testavan® is suitable for:

• Adult men with confirmed testosterone deficiency
• Men who prefer simple dosing with a pump dispenser

Not suitable:

• Women and children
• Prostate cancer or suspected prostate cancer
• Breast cancer in men
• Severe heart, liver, or kidney failure
• Polycythemia
• Men who are actively trying to have children

Dosage:

• 1 pump actuation = 23 mg testosterone
• Starting dose: 23 mg (1 actuation) daily
• Adjustment after blood level testing: 23–69 mg (1–3 actuations) daily

Monitoring:

• Check blood levels about 14 and 35 days after starting treatment or after a dose adjustment, each time 2 to 4 hours after application
• Goal: testosterone level within the normal range
• Regular monitoring of hematocrit, PSA, and liver function tests

Application:

• Once daily, preferably in the morning
• Apply with the applicator to the upper arm and shoulder, not with your fingers or hands
• Do not apply to the abdomen or thigh, as less testosterone is absorbed there
• With 2 actuations, apply one on the right and one on the left; with 3 actuations, apply the third to the side treated first
• Skin must be clean, dry, and intact
• Allow the application site to dry completely before you get dressed
• Wash hands thoroughly

Important notes:

• Do not apply to the genitals, chest, or face
• Avoid skin contact with your female partner and children
• Wash the application site or cover it with clothing before skin contact
• Do not apply immediately before swimming or showering

Testavan® must not be used in cases of:

• Prostate cancer or breast cancer in men
• Hypersensitivity to testosterone or any of the excipients
• Severe heart failure
• Severe liver failure
• Polycythemia (hematocrit > 54%)

Use with caution in cases of:

• Sleep apnea
• Enlarged prostate
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Epilepsy

Common (1–10%):

• Skin irritation at the application site
• Increased hematocrit
• Rise in PSA
• Acne
• Headache

Uncommon (0.1–1%):

• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Gynecomastia
• Hair loss
• Increase in blood pressure

Rare:

• Polycythemia
• Strain on the liver
• Worsening of sleep apnea

Use with caution with:

• Anticoagulants (e.g., phenprocoumon, warfarin) – the anticoagulant effect may be increased; closer monitoring may be necessary
• Insulin and other diabetes medications – the requirement may decrease
• Corticosteroids – increased fluid retention possible

Transfer to other people: Testosterone from the gel can pass to others through skin contact. After application, wash your hands and cover the treated area before close physical contact – this is especially important around children and pregnant women.

Important: Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter ones.