Contraindications to androgen therapy are prostate and breast cancer. Precautions include using lower starting doses for older men and induction of puberty. Intramuscular injections should be avoided in men with bleeding disorders. Androgen-sensitive epilepsy, migraine, sleep apnoea, polycythaemia or fluid overload need to be considered. Competitive athletes should be warned about the risks of disqualification.
Maintenance requires tailoring treatment modality to the patient's convenience.
Modalities currently available include testosterone injections, implants, or capsules. Choice depends on convenience, cost, availability and familiarity. Until further evidence is available, such treatment cannot be recommended. Login instructions were e-mailed to licensees on July 17, 2000. There was a dosage error corrected with the 2000010 EM Part 2 of 4 update.