Androgel

Androgel: use, indications and contraindications

Androgel is a drug intended for replacement therapy for testosterone deficiency in men. It is produced in the form of a gel for external use and contains the active substance testosterone. The drug is produced in Russia by Solvay Pharma, but its manufacturer, Laboratories Bezen International, is located in France.

Indications for the use of Androgel in men include delayed puberty, oligospermia, post-castration syndrome, underdevelopment of the genital organs, hypopituitrism, infertility due to impaired spermatogenesis, menopausal syndrome, impotence and osteoporosis. In women, the drug can be used to treat hyperestrogenism, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, menopause (in combination with estrogens), premenstrual tension syndrome, breast cancer and osteoporosis.

Contraindications to the use of Androgel include hypersensitivity to the drug, established or suspected carcinoma of the prostate and/or mammary glands, nephrosis or nephrotic phase of nephritis, hypercalcemia, edema, impaired liver and kidney function, diabetes mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy with symptoms of urinary disorders, cardiac and coronary failure, history of myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis in elderly men, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

There is no experience with the use of Androgel in women and children, so its use in these groups of patients should be carried out with caution. Also, the drug is not recommended for malignant neoplasms due to the risk of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria, as well as for severe cardiac, hepatic or renal failure, coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, epilepsy and migraine.

Side effects when using Androgel may include premature puberty, prostate abnormalities and cancer, increased sexual arousal and increased frequency of erections, penile enlargement, priapism, oligospermia, decreased ejaculate volume, sodium and water retention, premature closure of bone growth plates, headache, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, paresthesia, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, cholestatic jaundice and other androgenic effects. In addition, when using Androgel, various reactions may occur at the site of application of the gel, such as irritation, redness, itching, rashes, etc.

Before starting to use Androgel, you must undergo a full medical examination and consult a specialist. The dosage and duration of treatment should be individualized and determined depending on the indications, age, health status and other factors.

It is important to remember that Androgel is a strong drug that can have serious side effects and contraindications. Therefore, its use should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision.