Testosterone Cypionate is a synthetic androgen primarily used to treat physiological or functional abnormalities caused by testosterone deficiency in males. This medication belongs to androgen replacement therapy drugs, available in the form of Cypionate ester, administered via intramuscular injection, with effects lasting several weeks. Its main function is to supplement insufficient endogenous testosterone, improving symptoms such as decreased sexual function, muscle mass reduction, and osteoporosis.
The therapeutic effects of Testosterone Cypionate are stable, but regular monitoring of hormone levels and liver function is necessary. The dosage should not be adjusted independently; it must be personalized by a physician based on the patient’s age, weight, and severity of the condition.
The scientific name of this medication is "Testosterone Cypionate." Common brand names include:
Testosterone Cypionate is classified under "Androgens" and "Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)." It is an esterified derivative of testosterone with extended duration of action, belonging to long-acting injectable formulations.
This medication is mainly used to treat the following conditions:
Mild side effects include:
Serious side effects require immediate medical attention:
Contraindications include: prostate cancer, undiagnosed breast cancer, hypersensitivity to components, and use during pregnancy. Women of reproductive age should strictly avoid contact with the medication to prevent abnormal sexual development.
This medication carries a black box warning indicating a potential increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in patients with a history of heart disease. Regular monitoring of liver function, hemoglobin, and bone density is recommended during treatment.
Pregnant women must not use this medication, as it may cause fetal virilization abnormalities. For breastfeeding women, the impact of drug concentration in breast milk on the infant should be evaluated, and breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.
Use with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) may increase bleeding risk; with diuretics, it may affect electrolyte balance. Co-administration with other steroids or hormonal drugs may require dosage adjustments.
Herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort may affect efficacy; inform your doctor before use. Avoid combining with liver enzyme inducers (e.g., carbamazepine), which may reduce effectiveness.
This medication should only be administered via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, not orally or self-injected. The typical starting dose is 100-400 mg every 2-4 weeks, with actual dosage adjusted based on blood test results.
Injections must be performed by healthcare professionals; patients should not self-inject. If self-injection is necessary, proper training in injection techniques and strict aseptic procedures are required.
If a scheduled injection is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. However, if less than 3 days remain before the next dose, skip the missed dose and proceed with the regular schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for missed injections.
Overdose may cause acute edema, severe headache, or blurred vision; seek medical attention immediately. Treatment may include anti-androgens or dialysis in severe cases.
If the medication is accidentally injected into a blood vessel or outside the subcutaneous tissue, apply cold compresses and contact medical personnel immediately. Do not attempt to treat tissue necrosis yourself.
If mild redness or induration occurs, applying ice packs can help alleviate discomfort, and avoid re-injecting in the same site. If symptoms persist over 48 hours or are accompanied by fever or pus, contact your doctor promptly, as injection technique adjustments or infection assessment may be necessary.
Is regular blood monitoring necessary during Testosterone Cypionate therapy?Yes. Blood tests are recommended every 3 to 6 months during initial treatment to monitor hemoglobin, liver function, and hematocrit to prevent polycythemia or liver overload. The physician will adjust the dose based on test results to ensure safety.
Does concomitant use of anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) interact with Testosterone Cypionate?It may increase bleeding risk. Testosterone can reduce the efficacy of anticoagulants, prolonging clotting time. INR levels should be closely monitored, and the anticoagulant dose adjusted under medical supervision to prevent bleeding or thrombosis.
Are there specific dietary or exercise precautions during testosterone therapy?Increasing dietary fiber can help prevent liver burden, and excessive alcohol intake should be avoided. Regular aerobic exercise can enhance efficacy, but vigorous activity immediately after injection should be avoided to prevent affecting drug absorption or causing injection site discomfort.
What are the effects of abruptly stopping treatment due to health reasons?Sudden discontinuation may cause a rapid decline in hormone levels, leading to decreased libido, fatigue, or mood swings. It is advisable to discuss gradual tapering plans with your doctor and consider switching to other formulations (such as patches or gels) to buffer withdrawal effects.