Generic name: testosterone topical [tes-TOS-ter-one-TOP-i-kal]
Brand names: Androderm, AndroGel, Axiron, FIRST-Testosterone, Fortesta, Testim
Drug class: Androgens and anabolic steroids
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 20, 2023.
The Axiron brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
What is Axiron?
Axiron topical solution is an underarm testosterone treatment.
Testosterone is a naturally occurring male hormone necessary for many processes in the body.
Axiron is used to treat adult males who have low or no testosterone.
Axiron will not enhance athletic performance and should not be used for this purpose.
Warnings
Axiron solution should not be used by a woman. Testosterone can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. A pregnant woman should avoid coming into contact with the solution or with a man's skin areas where the solution has been applied. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water right away.
You should not use Axiron if you have prostate cancer or male breast cancer.
Call your doctor if a person who has close contact with you develops enlarged genitals, premature pubic hair, increased libido, aggressive behavior, male-pattern baldness, excessive body hair growth, increased acne, irregular menstrual periods, or any signs of male characteristics.
Misuse of Axiron can cause dangerous or irreversible effects. Never use more than your prescribed dose. Do not share this medicine with another person.
Before using Axiron
Do not use Axiron if you are allergic to testosterone, or if you have prostate cancer or male breast cancer.
To make sure Axiron is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever day:
cancer;
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
heart disease, heart attack, or stroke;
a blood clot;
diabetes; or
liver disease or kidney disease.
Axiron should not be used by a woman. Testosterone can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. A pregnant woman should avoid coming into contact with Axiron solution, or with a man's skin areas where the solution has been applied. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water right away.
Older men who use Axiron may have an increased risk of prostate enlargement or cancer. If you are over 65, talk with your doctor about your specific risk. Axiron solution should not be used on anyone younger than 18 years old. Improper use of this medicine may affect bone growth in children.
Axiron pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)
How should I use Axiron?
Use Axiron exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than prescribed. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Misuse of testosterone can cause dangerous or irreversible effects, such as enlarged breasts, small testicl*s, infertility, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, liver disease, bone growth problems, addiction, and mental effects such as aggression and violence.
Do not share this medicine with another person.
Axiron comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Before using a new bottle of Axiron for the first time, you will need to prime the pump. To prime the pump gently push down on the pump 3 times. Do not use any solution that comes out while priming. Wash it down the sink to avoid accidental exposure to others. Your pump is now ready to use.
Axiron is to be applied to the armpits only. Before applying, make sure that your armpit is clean, dry and that there is no broken skin. Do not apply Axiron to any other parts of your body such as your stomach area (abdomen), penis, scrotum, shoulders or upper arms.
Apply Axiron at about the same time each morning. This medicine should be applied after showering or bathing. You can use an antiperspirant or deodorant before applying this medicine. If you use antiperspirant or deodorant, then it should be applied at least 2 minutes before you apply this medicine.
To be sure Axiron is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Your prostate or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Detailed Axiron dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the solution as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to apply your next dose. Do not use extra solution to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Do not apply Axiron to your stomach area (abdomen), penis, scrotum, shoulders or upper arms.
Do not apply Axiron with your fingers or hands.
Avoid swimming, bathing, or showering for at least 2 hours after applying Axiron solution.
Avoid splashing in the eyes. In case of contact with eyes, flush thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Axiron solution is flammable until dry. Let the solution dry before smoking or going near an open flame.
Axiron side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Axiron: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
increased urination (many times per day), loss of bladder control;
painful or difficult urination;
breast pain or swelling;
painful or bothersome erections;
swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath during sleep;< /p>
chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;
liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
signs of a blood clot in the lung - chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or
signs of a blood clot in your leg - pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.
Topical testosterone is absorbed through the skin and can cause symptoms of male features in a woman or child who comes into contact with the medication. Call your doctor if your female partner has male-pattern baldness, excessive body hair growth, increased acne, irregular menstrual periods, or any other signs of male characteristics.
Common Axiron side effects may include:
redness, itching, burning, hardened skin or other irritation where the medicine was applied or where the skin patch was worn;
headache, mood changes;
increased red blood cells (may cause dizziness, itching, redness in your face, or muscle pain);
vomiting, diarrhea;
strange dreams;
frequent or prolonged erections; or
high blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Axiron side effects (more detail)
What other drugs will affect Axiron?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using especially:
insulin;
a blood thinner - (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); or
a steroid medicine - methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone (Sterapred), and others.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with testosterone. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Axiron drug interactions (more detail)
Popular FAQ
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More about Axiron (testosterone)
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- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: androgens and anabolic steroids
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Patient resources
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Professional resources
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Related treatment guides
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Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Axiron only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.
Medical Disclaimer
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