skip to main content

What does it do?

Testosterone is a male sex hormone. It is used when the levels of testosterone in your body are too low.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have heart, liver or prostate problems, or if you have ever had breast cancer, a blood clot or a stroke.
  • Some types of testosterone injection contain peanut oil. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to peanuts.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How is it given?

Testosterone is given as an injection into a muscle by your health professional.

What if you forget a dose?

If you miss an appointment for your injection, contact your health professional as soon as possible.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain

Prolonged erection (longer than four hours)

Tell your doctor immediately

Mood changes, headache

Head hair loss, more body and facial hair

Acne

Sore or enlarged breasts

More or less interest in sex

Swollen feet or legs

Stomach upset

In women: changes in periods, voice deepening

Pain, tenderness or redness at injection site

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • You will need regular blood tests while you are taking testosterone to check your blood and your prostate (for men), and to make sure you are taking the right dose.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

Web links for this sheet in different formats

Click on buttons to copy web addresses for this leaflet:

If your browser does not automatically copy these links use its copy command instead.

About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed