Androfeme 1 (Testosterone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Androfeme 1 Used For?
Androfeme 1 contains testosterone, which belongs to a group of medicines called androgens. This form of testosterone is identical to the testosterone naturally produced by women’s ovaries and men’s testes.
Primary Uses
Androfeme 1 is specifically used to treat hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD) in postmenopausal women. Women with this condition often feel distress because they have very low sexual desire or interest in having sex.
How It Works
Testosterone can help reduce sexual concerns and distress in postmenopausal women by improving sexual desire, pleasure, orgasm, responsiveness, and self-image. The cream is applied to your skin, where it is absorbed and travels into your bloodstream throughout your body.
Good to know: Androfeme 1 is a simple and effective way of getting testosterone into your body through skin absorption.
How to Take Androfeme 1
Androfeme 1 should be applied once daily at approximately the same time each day using the provided measuring applicator.
Dosage Instructions
The usual starting dose is 0.5 mL (5 mg) of cream per day using the measured applicator. You should not use more than 1.0 mL (10 mg testosterone) per day unless directed by your doctor. Apply directly onto clean, dry, healthy skin of either the upper outer thigh or buttock. Massage the cream into the area until absorbed (about 30 seconds). Cover the application area with clothing once applied. Avoid swimming or showering for at least four hours after application. Return to your doctor after 3-6 weeks for blood test monitoring and dose adjustment if needed.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, apply it as soon as you remember and continue normally. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply your next dose when scheduled. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never apply a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying the cream.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Acne
- Increased body hair particularly on the face
- Loss of head hair (male pattern baldness) or thinning
- Voice changes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice)
- Swelling of the ankles
- Weight gain
- Persistent headaches
- Deepening of the voice
- Changes in breast tissue
- Vaginal bleeding
- Ovulation and menstrual periods stopping in premenopausal women
- Enlargement of the clitoris
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- Rash, itching or hives on skin
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Androfeme 1 should not be used, and others that require careful monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Androfeme 1
Do not use if you are allergic to testosterone, tree nuts (almond oil), or any ingredients; have or have had breast cancer or any cancer described as being caused or stimulated by androgen; are taking testosterone hormone supplements; still menstruate; are pregnant or breastfeeding; or are a child.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; heart disease or high blood pressure; liver disease; kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome); blood vessel blockage by blood clot; high calcium levels in blood; or diabetes. High-level athletes need to be aware of testosterone use rules as it may enhance athletic performance.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may affect your developing baby during pregnancy. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Androfeme 1 should only be used by women who no longer have menstrual periods, either naturally or due to total hysterectomy.
Transfer Risk: Contact your doctor immediately if you think someone has come into regular contact with the cream on your skin. Avoid unwanted transfer by wearing clothes that cover the application area and/or showering before contact.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Androfeme 1 and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Estrogen Therapy: The effectiveness of Androfeme 1 is reduced if your estrogen therapy is ‘conjugated equine estrogens’. Discuss your estrogen type with your doctor.
- Oral estrogens and medicines in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy
- Tibolone (hormone replacement medicine)
- Oral anticoagulants (blood thinning medicines)
- Corticosteroids or ACTH (inflammation control hormones)
- Insulin (blood sugar control medicine)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with activities requiring alertness until you know how Androfeme 1 affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Androfeme 1 affects you.
Storage
Store in a cool dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep the tube sealed until use and replace cap firmly once opened. Do not transfer cream to another container. Rinse the applicator in hot water after use. Keep away from children. Once opened, use contents within 125 days.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Androfeme 1, seek urgent medical attention immediately. In Australia, phone the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26. In New Zealand, phone the National Poisons Centre at 0800 POISON (0800 764 766). You can also contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may take 1-2 months for you to notice an improvement. If symptoms do not improve after 6 months, you should discuss alternative treatment with your doctor.
Androfeme 1 is usually used for a minimum of 3 months to see if the medicine works for you. There is currently limited clinical trial safety information on use beyond two years, so your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of longer use with you.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, apply it as soon as you remember and continue normally. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply when scheduled. Never apply a double dose.
Avoid swimming or showering until at least four hours after application of Androfeme 1 cream to ensure proper absorption.
Do not stop using Androfeme 1 suddenly without checking with your doctor first. If you stop suddenly, your condition may worsen or you may have unwanted side effects.
Yes, Androfeme 1 may transfer to another person during close skin contact with the application area. Avoid unwanted transfer by wearing clothes that cover the area and/or showering before contact. Contact your doctor immediately if someone has regular contact with the cream on your skin.
You need to return to your doctor 3-6 weeks after starting treatment for blood test monitoring and dose adjustment if required. Keep all appointments to monitor your progress, and ideally attend the same laboratory for blood testing.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.