Axiron Side Effects
Summary
Axiron is a medication used to treat men with low levels of testosterone in their body. The most common side effects are breast swelling or tenderness, headache, changes in libido, increased acne, vomiting, redness or skin irritation at the application site, and diarrhea. These side effects usually do not require medical attention however, if they persist or become bothersome contact your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Common Axiron Side Effects
The most common Axiron side effects include the following:
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Headache
- Changes in sex drive
- Increased acne
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Redness or skin irritation at the application site
The side effects listed above usually do not require medical attention as they will commonly diminish when your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor may also be able to advise you of ways to reduce or prevent these common side effects from occurring. However, if any persist or become bothersome you should notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Serious Axiron Side Effects
Allergic reactions can occur while using Axiron. If you experience any of the following side effects, seek emergency medical help immediately.
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
Many additional Axiron side effects are very serious but are not indicative of an allergic reaction. If you experience any of the following serious symptoms notify your doctor right away.
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent or prolonged erections
- Ankle swelling
- Nausea
- Change if shape or size of testicles
- Mood changes
- Chest pain
- Rapid or Unexplained Weight Gain
- Swelling, redness, or pain in the calf or leg
- Jaundice
- Low fever
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Dark urine
- Clay colored stools
- Breathing problems during sleep
- Severe headaches
Women and Children
Women and Children should not use or handle Axiron; it is intended for use by men only. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should take care to especially avoid this medication as it can cause birth defects in unborn children. It is important that women and children do not handle Axiron; this product can be absorbed through the skin and may result in the occurrence of male characteristics in women or children who have been exposed to it. This medication can accidentally rub off on others and unintentionally expose another person to the potential side effects; proper precaution should be taken to avoid exposing women and children to Axiron.
Individuals under age 18 should not use Axiron as it has been shown to adversely affect bone growth in children. If any of the following male characteristics are experienced by a woman or child, a doctor should be notified right away; excessive body hair growth, increased libido, male pattern baldness, irregular menstrual cycles, increased acne, enlarged genitals, premature pubic hair, aggressive behavior, or any other symptom resembling a male characteristic.
Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling Axiron and use extreme caution in avoiding accidental exposure through skin to skin contact. This medication has been placed in category X by the FDA, which means that the drug has been shown to be harmful to an unborn child. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid this medication as its potential effects on a newborn are unknown as well as whether it passes through breast milk or not.
Preexisting Conditions
Individuals, who are allergic to testosterone, have male breast cancer, or prostate cancer should not use Axiron. You should also consult a doctor before taking Axiron if you have any of the following conditions; diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, sleep apnea or other breathing problems, or if you are overweight. In the presence of these conditions it may be necessary to adjust dosage or perform special tests to ensure you can safely use this medication.
Additionally, older men who use Axiron may be at a heightened risk of developing prostate cancer or prostate enlargement. Blood tests will be performed frequently while taking Axiron to ensure that it is working properly and not causing harm; liver function or prostate tests are likely to be among the specialty tests that are performed.
Other Medications
It is important to tell your doctor about all over the counter, prescription, and herbal medications you are taking prior to starting a new medication. The following medications have been shown to cause an adverse reaction when taken with Axiron:
- Steroids such as prednisone (Sterapred) and Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- Insulin
- Blood thinners such as warfarin, Jantoven, or (Coumadin).
Axiron can be helpful in treating low levels of testosterone in men. Dangerous side effects can occur in women and children if they are exposed to this medication; precautions should be taken to avoid exposure through handling as well as person to person contact. If any serious side effects occur while taking this medication, you should stop taking it and notify a health care provider.
