DISCLAIMER: All information included in this article is for reference purposes only and is not intended to replace or replicate professional medical advice.
There are a number of reasons why an individual may need or want to take testosterone supplements.
In a medical context, a person may need to take testosterone supplements if he/she has a clinical reason to do so. These clinical reasons can be varied, from sexual dysfunction in both men and women to genetic low testosterone levels.
The benefits of taking testosterone as a treatment for these issues can include increased libido, increased sense of well-being, and increased bone mass.
In other contexts, such as the sports industry, athletes may take testosterone boosters to increase their muscle mass over a short period of time.
We’ll be discussing what happens when you miss your dose of testosterone, including any potential side effects, what you should do if you do miss a dose, and the different types of testosterone preparations.
The Different Preparations Of Testosterone
Let's dive into them...
1. Intramuscular Injection
An intramuscular injection is a serious way to administer medication. For males with clinical presentations of low testosterone, an intramuscular injection is typically used.
Unlike intravenous injections, an intramuscular injection of testosterone is usually injected into the buttock muscle. This treatment is always given on the basis of clinical investigations and under the supervision of a doctor.
There are many side effects of an intramuscular testosterone injection. Any side effects of any drug are typically documented as a result of clinical trials and a patient’s own experiences.
The most common side effects of an intramuscular testosterone injection include nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color, changes in sexual interest, headaches, oily skin, hair loss, and acne.
Withdrawal symptoms from missing a dose/multiple doses can sometimes present like side effects of the medication.
What Happens If I Miss An Injection Of Testosterone?
As with all medications, it is important to ensure you take them at roughly the same time as prescribed.
This ensures that you get the best possible results from taking the medicine. Whether you are administering your testosterone injection yourself or you go to a medical setting to receive it, you must contact your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
By doing this, you can establish a new dosing schedule to factor in the missed dose. You must not double the dose to “catch up.” as this can lead to overdose.
2. Testosterone Tablets (Oral Route)
All medication comes with a Medication Guide. It is vital that you consult this document (usually found inside the box with the tablets) to understand what you are taking and follow any instructions.
Testosterone tablets prescribed by a doctor should be taken as directed by your doctor.
Much like an injection of testosterone, the common side effects of taking testosterone tablets are stomach upset or discomfort, heartburn, bloated, indigestion.
These side effects typically do not require medical attention. However, if more serious side effects occur, it is important to seek medical advice.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Testosterone (Oral Tablets)?
With intramuscular injections, as these are more sensitive regarding timing of dose, you will need to rearrange your dose schedule.
If you’re taking testosterone via oral tablets, missing a dose is less serious but still significant. If you take your testosterone tablet in the morning but forget to take it, you should take the tablet as soon as you remember.
However, if it is the following day, you should skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dose schedule.
As with all medications, including testosterone, you should not double up the dose to account for the missed dose. This could let to an overdose and serious health implications.
3. Testosterone Gel (For Topical Use)
Known also as AndroGel, testosterone gel falls under the drug class category of Androgens.
Much like an intramuscular injection or oral tablets, testosterone gel is used to treat conditions that are a result of low testosterone.
Testosterone gel is absorbed through your skin. It should never be used in greater amounts than prescribed or for longer than prescribed.
As there are different brands of testosterone topical gel, there are different instructions for use depending on the brand.
The most common difference between brands is which area of the body it should be applied to. Some should be used on the upper arm, shoulder, or stomach. Others are applied on the underarms or thighs.
Testosterone gel should be applied to dry, clean skin, so it is best used after a shower or bath. The gel is also flammable, so should not be used near naked flames or whilst smoking.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Testosterone Gel?
If it is almost time for your next dose, the missed dose should be skipped. Do not apply more than two doses at any one time.
If you are using a transdermal patch (a patch on a specified area of your skin) the procedure can vary. If you apply the patch in the morning, and it falls off, reapply the patch.
The adhesive of the patch could be worn out, if this is the case, and it is still early in the day, apply a new patch.
If the patch falls off in the afternoon and cannot be reapplied, you should wait until it is time to apply a new patch.
Conclusion
It is vital that you seek medical attention in the event of an overdose of testosterone. Some common symptoms of an overdose of testosterone can be serious.
As mentioned at the top of this article, the information included here is simply for reference only and does not replace sound medical advice.