Class: Androgens
VA Class: HS100
CAS Number: 58-18-4
Brands: Android, Estratest, Methitest, Testred, Virilon
Introduction
A synthetic androgenic anabolic steroid hormone.b
Uses for Methyltestosterone
Male Hypogonadism
Management of congenital or acquired primary hypogonadism such as that resulting from orchidectomy or from testicular failure caused by cryptorchidism, bilateral torsion, orchitis, or vanishing testis syndrome.b e
Management of congenital or acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism such as that resulting from idiopathic gonadotropin or gonadotropin releasing hormone (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone) deficiency or from pituitary-hypothalamic injury caused by tumors, trauma, or radiation.b e
If any of these conditions occur before puberty, replacement therapy will be necessary during adolescence for the development of secondary sexual characteristics.b Will require prolonged therapy to maintain these characteristics in pubertal males or postpubertal males who develop testosterone deficiency.b e
May be used to stimulate puberty in carefully selected males with delayed puberty (family history of delayed puberty not secondary to a pathologic disorder).b e Brief treatment with conservative doses occasionally may be justified if patients do not respond to psychologic support.b e
Breast Cancer
Palliative treatment of androgen-responsive, advanced, inoperable, metastatic (skeletal) breast cancer in women who are 1–5 years postmenopausal and in premenopausal women who have benefited from oophorectomy and are considered to have a hormone-responsive tumor.a b
Poorly tolerated (see Virilization under Cautions); other hormonal agents (e.g., tamoxifen, anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) currently are preferred for this use.k l
Menopause
Used in combination with estrogens for the short-term management of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause in patients who do not respond adequately to estrogens alone.b d However, the FDA is reexamining the efficacy of estrogen/androgen combinations for this use.100 101
Misuse and Abuse
Has been misused and abused by athletes, bodybuilders, weight lifters, and others to enhance athletic performance and physique†.b
Medical and sports experts (e.g., International Olympic Committee) consider such use to be inappropriate and unacceptable because of known adverse effects and potential for long-term sequelae.b j Such use by athletes is contrary to the rules and ethical principles of athletic competition.b j
Methyltestosterone Dosage and Administration
General
Individualize dosage according to the condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s age, gender, and history of prior androgenic therapy.b e
Adjust dosage carefully according to individual response and appearance of adverse effects.a c e
Delayed Puberty
Take into consideration the chronological and skeletal ages of the patient, both in determining the initial dosage and in adjusting the dosage.a b c e
Perform radiographic examination of the hand and wrist at 6-month intervals to determine the rate of bone maturation and to assess the effect of therapy on the epiphyseal centers.b e (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)
Breast Cancer
Administer only under supervision of a qualified clinician experienced in the treatment of breast cancer.a c e
Occasionally may appear to accelerate progression of the disease; monitor patients closely.a c e
Administration
Administer orally,e usually in divided daily doses.b
Dosage
Pediatric Patients
Male Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism
Oral
For development of secondary sexual characteristics during adolescence: 10–50 mg daily.a b c e Prolonged therapy is required to maintain sexual characteristics.a b c e
Delayed Puberty
Oral
Use dosages in the lower end of the usual range for replacement (i.e., 10 mg daily) for 4–6 months.b e
Some clinicians recommend lower dosages initially, followed by gradual increases in dosage as puberty progresses; subsequently, the dosage may or may not be decreased to maintenance levels.b c e Other clinicians state that higher dosages are required initially to induce pubertal changes and lower dosages can then be used for maintenance therapy after puberty.b c e
Adults
Male Hypogonadism
Oral
Usual dosage: 10–50 mg daily; prolonged therapy is required to maintain sexual characteristics.a b c e
Breast Cancer
Oral
Usual dosage: 50–200 mg daily.a b e
Menopause
Oral
Usual dosage: 0.625–1.25 mg of esterified estrogens and 1.25–2.5 mg of methyltestosterone in fixed combination.d Administer cyclically (3 weeks on and 1 week off); repeat the regimen as necessary.d Should make attempts to reduce dosage or discontinue the drugs at 3- to 6-month intervals.d
Cautions for Methyltestosterone
Contraindications
Males with breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer.a b c d e
Known or suspected pregnancy.a b
Some manufacturers state that methyltestosterone is contraindicated in patients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic decompensation; hypercalcemia; impaired liver function; and in patients who are easily sexually stimulated.b
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity
May cause fetal harm; dose-related virilization of the external genitalia (e.g., clitoral hypertrophy, labial fusion of the external genital fold to form a scrotal-like structure, abnormal vaginal development, persistence of a urogenital sinus) of female fetus reported, particularly when exposure to androgens occurs during the 1st trimester.a b If used during pregnancy or patient becomes pregnant, apprise of potential fetal hazard.b
Hepatic Effects
Potentially serious and/or life-threatening adverse hepatic effects (e.g., peliosis hepatitis, hepatic adenomas, hepatocellular carcinoma) associated with prolonged use of high dosages of androgens.a b Discontinuance of androgen therapy following development of hepatocellular carcinoma does not always result in regression of the tumor.a b
If cholestatic jaundice or hepatitis occurs, or if liver function test results become abnormal during therapy, discontinue the drug and investigate the etiology of these disorders.a d Drug-induced jaundice usually is reversible following discontinuance of the drug.a b
Periodic liver function evaluation recommended.a b
GU Effects
Priapism or excessive sexual stimulation possible, especially in geriatric men.a Oligospermia and decreased ejaculatory volume also may occur in men receiving excessive dosage or prolonged administration.a If any of these adverse effects occur, discontinue the drug temporarily.b If therapy is restarted, use lower dosages.b
Possible increased risk for the development of prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, particularly in geriatric patients.a b c e
Possible increased or decreased libido.a b
Gynecomastia frequently develops and occasionally persists in patients being treated for hypogonadism.e
Fluid Retention
Edema, with or without CHF, possible as a result of sodium and water retention and may be a serious complication in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease.b d (See Contraindications under Cautions.) If edema occurs and is considered a serious complication, discontinue the drug and, if necessary, initiate diuretic therapy.a b c e
Retention of potassium and inorganic phosphates also has occurred.c d e
Hypercalcemia
Possible hypercalcemia resulting from osteolysis, especially in immobile patients and women with metastatic breast cancer.a b d In patients with cancer, hypercalcemia may indicate progression of metastases to the bone.a d f Monitor urine and serum calcium concentrations frequently during the course of androgen therapy in women with metastatic breast cancer.a b c e If hypercalcemia occurs, discontinue the drug.a d f
Misuse and Abuse
Potential for serious adverse effects (e.g., increased aggression, antisocial behavior, manic episode, depression, changes in libido, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hepatotoxicity) associated with misuse and abuse of androgens (see Misuse and Abuse under Uses); methyltestosterone preparations currently subject to control under the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, as amended by the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 and 2004 as schedule III (C-III) drugs.b j
General Precautions
Virilization
Virilization, including deepening of the voice, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, and clitoral enlargement, occurs commonly in females receiving high-dose methyltestosterone therapy; these changes may not be reversible following discontinuance of the drug.a b e
Monitor women receiving methyltestosterone therapy for signs of virilization.a If virilization occurs, discontinue therapy.b e
Hematologic Effects
Possible polycythemia, especially with high dosages of androgens.a b Perform periodic hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations in patients receiving high dosages of methyltestosterone.a b
Use of Fixed Combination
When used in fixed combination with estrogens, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with estrogens.b
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category X.c (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and also Contraindications, under Cautions.)
Lactation
Not known whether methyltestosterone is distributed into milk.a b Use not recommended.a b
Pediatric Use
May accelerate bone maturation without producing compensatory gain in linear growth, possibly resulting in compromised adult stature.a b The younger the child, the greater the risk of methyltestosterone compromising final mature stature.e Use with extreme caution in children and only under the supervision of a specialist who is aware of the adverse effects of methyltestosterone on bone maturation.a b Perform radiographic examination of the hand and wrist every 6 months to determine the rate of bone maturation and to assess the effect of treatment on the epiphyseal centers.b e
Geriatric Use
Possible increased risk of developing prostatic hypertrophy and carcinoma during androgen therapy.a b
Males, especially geriatric patients, may become overly sexually stimulated during therapy and such stimulation may be a sign of excessive dosage.a Carefully monitor males for the development of excessive sexual stimulation.a b
Common Adverse Effects
Males: Gynecomastia, frequent or persistent penile erections.a b
Females: Amenorrhea, other menstrual irregularities, inhibition of gonadotropin secretion, virilization (e.g., deepening of the voice, clitoral enlargement).e
Interactions for Methyltestosterone
Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests
Drug or Test | Interaction | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Anticoagulants, oral | May potentiate the action of oral anticoagulants and decrease anticoagulant requirementsa c e | Monitor closely when androgen therapy is initiated or discontinued in patients receiving oral anticoagulants and adjust anticoagulant dosage as neededa c e |
Insulin | May decrease blood glucose concentrations in patients with diabetesa c e | May require dosage reduction of insulin |
Oxyphenbutazone | Possible increased serum concentrations of oxyphenbutazonea c e | |
Tests for thyroid function | Possible decreased thyroxine-binding globulin concentrations, resulting in decreased total serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations and increased resin uptake of triiodothyronine (T3) and T4a b c e Free thyroid hormone concentrations remain unchangedb e May decrease protein-bound iodine (PBI) concentrationsb | No clinical evidence of thyroid dysfunctiona b c e Decrease in PBI concentrations does not appear to be clinically importantb |
Methyltestosterone Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Rapidly absorbed following oral administration, with peak serum concentrations usually attained within a mean of 1.04 hours.i
Elimination
Metabolism
Metabolized in the liver to various hydroxysteroids.h Methylation at the 17 position is associated with less hepatic metabolism following oral administration compared with testosterone.b h
Half-life
Averages 2.29 hours.i
Stability
Storage
Oral
Tablets
Tight, light-resistant containers at 15–30°C; protect from moisture and heat.a
Store methyltestosterone in fixed combination with esterified estrogens at 15–30°C.d
Capsules
25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).c e
ActionsActions
Replaces diminished or absent endogenous testicular hormone in hypogonadal males.a b c e
Endogenous androgens are essential hormones that are responsible for the normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for maintenance of secondary sex characteristics.b c
Responsible for the growth spurt that occurs during adolescence and for the eventual termination of linear growth that results from fusion of the epiphyseal growth centers.b e
Methylation at the 17 position (methyltestosterone) enhances pharmacologic activity compared to testosterone.b e
Produces retention of nitrogen, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus; increases protein anabolism; and decreases amino acid catabolism and urinary calcium concentrations.b e
Stimulates the production of erythrocytes, apparently by enhancing the production of erythropoietic stimulating factor.b e
Inhibits the release of endogenous testosterone via feedback inhibition of pituitary luteinizing hormone.b e
Large doses of androgens may suppress spermatogenesis.b e
Advice to Patients
Risk of virilization in females.a b Advise female patients to contact their clinician if they notice hoarseness, acne, menstrual changes, or the growth of facial hair.a b
Risk of priapsim; importance of males informing clinicians if too frequent or persistent penile erections occur.a b
Importance of discussing the potential for adverse effects on bone maturation in prepubertal males prior to initiation of therapy.a b
Importance of informing clinicians if nausea, vomiting, changes in skin color, or ankle swelling occurs.a b
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs as well as any concomitant illnesses.e
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.c
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.e (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Most methyltestosterone-containing preparations are subject to control under the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, as amended by the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 and 2004, as schedule III (C-III) drugs.102 However, manufacturers of certain preparations containing androgenic anabolic steroids (principally combinations that also include estrogens) have applied for and obtained for their product(s) an exemption from the record-keeping and other regulatory requirements of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.102 103 Because regulatory requirements for a given preparation containing an androgenic anabolic steroid may be subject to change under the provisions of the Act, the manufacturer should be contacted when specific clarification about a preparation’s status is required.
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Capsules | 10 mg | Android (C-III) | Valeant |
Testred (C-III) | Valeant | |||
Virilon (C-III) | Star | |||
Tablets | 10 mg* | Methitest (C-III; scored) | Global |
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Tablets | 1.25 mg with Esterified Estrogens 0.625 mg | Estratest H.S. (with parabens and povidone) | Solvay |
2.5 mg with Esterified Estrogens 1.25 mg | Estratest (with parabens and povidone) | Solvay |
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions July 2006. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
References
Only references cited for selected revisions after 1984 are available electronically.
100. Food and Drug Administration. Certain estrogen-androgen combinations drugs; drugs for human use; drug efficacy study implementation; amendment and opportunity for hearing. [Docket nos. 78N-0377 and 98P-1041; DESI 7661] Fed Regist. 2003; 68:17953-7.
101. Food and Drug Administration. FDA revises finding on estrogen/androgen combination products in the treatment of hot flashes. FDA Talk Paper. Rockville, MD; 2003 Apr 10. Correction. 2003 Apr 11. From the FDA web site (). Accessed 2003 Jun 9.
102. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Justice. Implementation of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004. Fed Regist. 2005; 241:74653-8.
103. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of Diversion Control. Exempt Anabolic Steroids (December 31, 2003). From the DEA web site ().
a. IMPAX Laboratories. Methitest (methyltestosterone) tablets prescribing information. Hayward, CA; 2001 Dec.
b. AHFS drug information 2004. McEvoy GK, ed. Methyltestosterone. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2004:2923-5.
c. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. Testred (methyltesosterone) capsules prescribing information. Costa Mesa, CA; 1999 May.
d. Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Estratest and Estratest H.S. (esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone) tablets prescribing information. marietta, GA; 2004 Feb.
e. ICN Pharmaceuticals. Android (methyltestosterone) capsules prescribing information. Costa Mesa, CA; 2001 Sep.
f. AHFS drug information 2004. McEvoy GK, ed. Testosterone. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2004:2925-32.
g. Phillips EH, Ryan S, Ferrari R et al. Estrest and Estratest HS (esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone) therapy: a summary of safety surveillance data, January 1989 to August 2002. Clin Ther. 2003; 23:3027-43.
h. Schanzer W. Metabolism of anabolic androgenic steroids. Clin Chem. 1996; 42:1001-20. [PubMed 8674183]
i. Shinohara Y, Baba S, Kasuya Y et al. Stable-isoptope methodology in the bioavailability study of 17 α-methyltesosterone using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Pharm Sci. 1986; 75:161-4. [PubMed 3958925]
j. AHFS drug information 2005. McEvoy GK, ed. Testosterone. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2005:2949-56.
k. Winer EP, Morrow M, Osborne CK, Harris JR. Malignant tumors of the breast. In: DeVita VT Jr, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, eds. Cancer: principles and practice of oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott Company; 2001:1702.
l. Lindley C. Breast cancer. In: DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC et al., eds. Pharmacotherapy: a pathophysiologic approach. 3rd ed. Stamford: Appleton and Lange; 1997:2489-90.
More Methyltestosterone resources
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