Testosterone undecanoate is an ester of natural androgen, testosterone. About the form in which this tool is released, for what and how it is used, we will tell in the presented article.
You will also find out what properties the substance mentioned has, whether it has contraindications and side effects.
Release form, description and packaging
Testosterone undecanoate goes on sale in various forms:
- Gelatin capsules that contain the active substance. They are packaged in blisters and cardboard boxes, respectively.
- An oily and clear solution with a yellowish tint for intramuscular administration. 1 ml of this drug contains 250 mg of testosterone undecanoate. As auxiliary elements use: benzyl benzoate and refined castor oil. The medicine goes on sale in amber glass ampoules, which are placed in cardboard boxes with a glued ampoule holder.
Pharmacology
How to get testosterone undecanoate? Reviews of experts report that such an active form of the drug is formed by splitting the side chain.
Testosterone is called the male sex hormone, which has the entire spectrum of biological activity, which is necessary for the formation and maintenance of androgenic functions.
The synthesis of this substance occurs in the testes, as well as in the adrenal cortex. During intrauterine development, as well as in early childhood and puberty, this element contributes to the formation of male characteristics and genital organs. Subsequently, the said hormone provides support for androgen-dependent functions and the male phenotype.
Insufficient secretion of this substance leads to the development of hypogonadism. Its symptoms include erectile dysfunction, depressive moods, decreased sex drive, increased fatigue, regression, and the absence or underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics.
Also, such representatives of the stronger sex increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
The properties
Testosterone undecanoate is prescribed to increase insufficient levels of endogenous testosterone, as well as reduce signs of hypogonadism.
The nature of the action of this drug is explained by the following properties:
- androgenic (affects the epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate gland);
- protein-anabolic (affects bones, muscles, kidneys, hematopoietic system, liver).
In men who suffer from hypogonadism, testosterone undecanoate reduces adipose tissue mass and increases lean body mass. It also prevents loss and promotes bone growth, improves sexual function and has a positive psychotropic effect.
Indications for use
What is the purpose of using testosterone undecanoate preparations? The instruction states that for the stronger sex, such drugs are used as hormone replacement therapy for disorders that are caused by secondary or primary testosterone deficiency, including postcastration syndrome, hypopituitarism, eunuchoidism, endocrine impotence and some types of infertility that were caused by impaired spermatogenesis, as well as menopause disorders in men (for example, with a decrease in physical and mental activity, libido).
In transgender people with a sex change (for men), this medication is prescribed for masculinization.
Also, testosterone undecanoate can be used in osteoporosis, which is caused by androgen deficiency.
Contraindications
Testosterone undecanoate (ampoules and tablets) is prohibited for use with:
- androgen-dependent prostate carcinoma;
- hypercalcemia, which is accompanied by malignant tumors;
- androgen - dependent breast carcinoma in the stronger sex;
- hypersensitivity to the main substance or any auxiliary component of the drug;
- a history of liver tumors or at present.
It should also be noted that testosterone undecanoate ("Nebido") is not prescribed for women.
With extreme caution, it is recommended for patients with apnea syndrome and children in adolescence.
Method of using tablets
Pills that increase testosterone in men should be taken only during the consumption of food. At the same time, food should not contain too much fat. Otherwise, the absorption of the drug through the lymphatic system will be maximum.
When taking tablets on an empty stomach, their absorption is minimal.
If the drug was prescribed in order to increase testosterone in the stronger sex, then it is prescribed twice a day.
To increase the level of androgens, the medication is taken in a dosage equal to 120-160 mg every day for 3 weeks.
For a pronounced anabolic effect, experts recommend using high doses of the drug. In this case, you need to take 240 mg of the drug every day. It should be borne in mind that such a dosage can lead to the development of adverse reactions.
The use of an injection form of the drug
The introduction of the drug "Nebido" in a dosage of 1 g of testosterone undecanoate (that is, 1 ampoule) is carried out once a day for 10-15 weeks. This frequency of injections provides support for a sufficient level of the hormone, which does not cause its cumulation.
The drug is administered intramuscularly immediately after opening the ampoule. Injection is done slowly. At the same time, make sure that the drug does not enter the blood vessel.
Before starting treatment, you should consult a doctor. The latter is required to determine the amount of testosterone in serum.
The interval between the first injections should be at least 6 weeks.
At the end of this interval, you should check the concentration of testosterone in the blood. If its level is below normal, then the interval between injections needs to be reduced.
If the concentration of testosterone is high, then it is necessary to consider increasing the interval.
Side effects
After taking the pills, representatives of the strong may develop the following undesirable effects:
- frequent erections, active sexual development, enlargement of the genitals of adolescents;
- retention of sodium and water;
- increase in libido;
- oligospermia;
- priapism and other signs of sexual stimulation;
- nausea and dizziness.
With intramuscular administration of the drug in men, there are:
- increased hemoglobin, hypersensitivity;
- weight gain, hypercholesterolemia;
- increased appetite, polycythemia;
- an increase in the number of red blood cells, depression;
- insomnia, migraine, restlessness;
- aggressiveness, headache, irritability;
- hot flashes, dizziness, hypertension;
- bronchitis, shortness of breath, sinusitis, diarrhea;
- rash, arthralgia, papular rash, pain in the limbs;
- itching, muscle tension, dry skin, etc.
Price and analogues
Testosterone undecanoate in a pharmacy can be purchased for 1000-1200 rubles.
Analogues of this medication are drugs such as Andriol, Androxon and Virigen. To determine which of the listed means should be used in the process of therapy, only an experienced specialist can on the basis of medical examination and analysis.
Reviews of men about the drug
Testosterone undecanoate is a drug that is often used as hormone replacement therapy. Most men taking this medication respond about it exclusively on the positive side. According to their reports, testosterone in tablets is less effective than a similar drug, but in injectable form. Therefore, many patients try to purchase the drug in ampoules.
Although there are some men who claim that testestorn undecanoate tablets work no worse than injections. Moreover, they are much more convenient, since you can take them not only at home, but also at work, on vacation and so on.