Uses Of Fluoxymesterone
Fluoxymesterone is used to treat symptoms of low testosterone in adult men who have hypogonadism (a condition in which the body does not produce enough natural testosterone). Fluoxymesterone is used only for men with low testosterone levels caused by certain medical conditions, including disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland, (a small gland in the brain), or hypothalamus (a part of the brain) that cause hypogonadism. Fluoxymesterone is also used to stimulate puberty in men with delayed puberty.
Fluoxymesterone may also be used alone or along with other medications in certain women with breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and can not be removed with surgery. Fluoxymesterone is in a class of medications called androgenic hormones. It works by supplying testosterone to replace the testosterone that is normally produced naturally in the body. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the body that contributes to the growth, development, and functioning of the male sexual organs and typical male characteristics. When used to treat breast cancer, testosterone works by blocking the release of estrogen to stop or slow the growth of breast cancer.
Side Effects Of Fluoxymesterone
Fluoxymesterone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- changes in sex drive
- enlargement of the breast
- headache
- anxiety
- depression
- tingling, prickling, or burning sensations
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- enlargement of the clitoris, deepening of the voice, increase in facial hair, acne, and baldness (in women)
- abnormal or absent menstrual periods
- erections of the penis that happen too often or do not go away
- rash, itching, or hives
- difficulty breathing
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- nausea or vomiting
- unusual or excessive bleeding
- swelling or fluid retention
- Fluoxymesterone may prevent normal growth in children. Children who take fluoxymesterone may be shorter as adults than they would have been if they had not taken the medication. Fluoxymesterone is more likely to interfere with the growth of younger children than older children. Your child’s doctor will take x-rays regularly to be sure your child is growing normally. Talk to your child’s doctor about the risks of giving this medication to your child.
- Fluoxymesterone may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
Fluoxymesterone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking fluoxymesterone:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fluoxymesterone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in fluoxymesterone tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, or nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); corticosteroids such as cortisone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone (A-Hydrocort, Cortef, Solu-Cortef), methylprednisolone (A-Methapred, Depo-Medrol, Medrol, others), prednisolone (Orapred, Pediapred, Prelone), or prednisone (Rayos); corticotropin (H.P. Acthar Gel), and medications for diabetes such as insulin, Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you are a man and you have breast cancer or if you have or may have prostate cancer. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take fluoxymesterone.
- tell your doctor if you are not able to walk around, or if you have or have ever had diabetes; a heart attack; coronary artery disease (clogged blood vessels leading to the heart); or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fluoxymesterone, call your doctor immediately. Fluoxymesterone can harm the fetus. Do not breastfeed while taking fluoxymesterone.
- you should know that there have been reports of serious side effects in people who take androgenic hormones similar to fluoxymesterone at higher doses, along with other male sex hormone products, or in ways other than directed by a doctor. These side effects may include a heart attack; heart failure; stroke; liver disease; or mental health changes such as depression, mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood), aggressive or unfriendly behavior, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), or delusions (having strange thoughts or beliefs that have no basis in reality). People who use higher doses of androgenic hormones than recommended by a doctor may also experience withdrawal symptoms such as depression, extreme tiredness, irritability, loss of appetite, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, or a decreased sex drive if they suddenly stop taking the androgenic hormone. Be sure to take fluoxymesterone exactly as directed by your doctor.
Dosage
Fluoxymesterone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken with or without food once a day or three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fluoxymesterone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take fluoxymesterone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking fluoxymesterone without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to fluoxymesterone.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking fluoxymesterone.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
