Why is this medication prescribed?

Androxy (fluoxymesterone) is a synthetic anabolic steroid used to treat conditions related to testosterone deficiency. Here are some common reasons it might be prescribed:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy: To treat low testosterone levels in men (hypogonadism) where natural testosterone production is insufficient.
• Delayed Puberty: To help stimulate puberty in adolescent boys who are experiencing delayed onset.
• Certain Types of Breast Cancer: In women, it may be used to treat some types of breast cancer that are hormone-sensitive.
• Severe Weight Loss: It may be used in specific cases where severe weight loss or muscle wasting needs to be managed.
• Anemia: In certain instances, it may be used to help treat anemia, especially if it’s related to hormone deficiencies.

Fluoxymesterone is a potent medication and can have significant side effects, so it’s important to use it under close medical supervision.

How should this medicine be used?

Androxy (fluoxymesterone) should be used according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Here are general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: Follow the prescribed dosage carefully. Fluoxymesterone is usually taken orally in the form of tablets. The dosage can vary depending on the condition being treated and individual patient needs.
• Administration: Take the tablets with a full glass of water. They can usually be taken with or without food, but following your doctor’s specific recommendations is important.
• Regular Check-ups: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your response to the medication and to check for any potential side effects.
• Avoid Missed Doses: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Storage: Store the tablets at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep them out of reach of children.
• Potential Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, to avoid potential interactions.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about how to use the medication.

Other uses for this medicine

• Treatment of Anemia: Fluoxymesterone can be used to treat certain types of anemia, especially when related to hormone deficiencies or other specific conditions.
• Muscle Wasting Conditions: It may be prescribed to help counteract severe muscle wasting or weight loss conditions, often associated with chronic illnesses or severe trauma.
• Management of Specific Breast Cancers: In some cases, it may be used to manage hormone-sensitive breast cancer in women, particularly when other treatments are not suitable.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Androxy:

• Medical History: Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, heart disease, kidney problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, or any other significant health issues.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring is essential to check for potential side effects, such as liver function abnormalities, changes in cholesterol levels, or impacts on heart health.
• Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects, including liver toxicity, mood changes, aggression, acne, and fluid retention. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Androxy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the fetus or infant.
• Interactions: Discuss all medications you are taking with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions. Fluoxymesterone can interact with other medications, including blood thinners and medications affecting liver function.
• Prostate Health: If you have or are at risk for prostate problems, inform your healthcare provider, as fluoxymesterone can affect prostate health.
• Use in Children: It should be used cautiously in children, primarily for conditions like delayed puberty, and only under strict medical supervision.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment with Androxy.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support overall health and mitigate potential side effects.
• Limit Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it can strain the liver and increase the risk of liver-related side effects.
• Monitor Cholesterol: Maintain a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol to help manage potential impacts on cholesterol levels.
• Regular Meals: Follow a regular meal schedule to support stable hormone levels and overall health.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take as Soon as Remembered: If you remember the missed dose soon after it was due, take it as soon as possible.
• Skip if Close to Next Dose: If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for the missed dose.
• Consult Your Doctor: If you’re unsure about what to do or have missed multiple doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Androxy (fluoxymesterone) can cause a range of side effects, some of which may be serious. Here are common and serious side effects to be aware of:

Common Side Effects:

• Acne: Breakouts or skin issues.
• Oily Skin: Increased oiliness of the skin.
• Mood Changes: Irritability, aggression, or mood swings.
• Fluid Retention: Swelling in the extremities or face.
• Hair Loss: Thinning of hair or male-pattern baldness.
• Increased Libido: Changes in sexual drive.

Serious Side Effects:

• Liver Problems: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or liver dysfunction.
• Cardiovascular Issues: High blood pressure, changes in cholesterol levels, or increased risk of heart disease.
• Prostate Problems: Worsening of prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or risk of prostate cancer.
• Mental Health Effects: Severe mood swings, aggression, or significant changes in behavior.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
• Edema: Swelling due to fluid retention, particularly in the legs or arms.
• Infertility: Potential effects on sperm production and fertility in men.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Peliosis Hepatis: A rare liver condition characterized by the formation of blood-filled cysts.

If you experience any severe side effects or symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Regular check-ups and monitoring are important to manage and mitigate potential side effects while on Androxy.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Androxy (Generic Fluoxymesterone):

• Storage:
  • Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed.
  • Store out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Disposal:
  • If available, use local drug take-back programs or events to safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
  • If no take-back program is available, you may dispose of the medication in household trash by mixing it with an undesirable substance (e.g., coffee grounds or cat litter) and placing it in a sealed bag or container.
  • Avoid flushing the medication down the toilet or sink unless specifically instructed to do so by the medication label or patient information leaflet.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Severe Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, liver problems (e.g., jaundice), severe mood changes, or other serious side effects.
• Contact Emergency Services: Call emergency services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you suspect an overdose.
• Provide Information: Be ready to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken.
• Contact Poison Control: Call your local poison control center for advice on how to handle the situation and what additional steps to take.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-Up: Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is important to monitor for side effects and effectiveness of the medication.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Health Monitoring: Keep track of any new symptoms or changes in health and report them to your healthcare provider.
• Education: Understand the purpose of the medication, its benefits, and potential risks to use it effectively and safely.

Always adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them for any specific concerns or questions related to your treatment with Androxy.