PATIENT INFORMATION
AXIRON®
(AXE-e-RON)
(testosterone)
Topical Solution, for Topical Use
What is the most important information I should know about AXIRON?
AXIRON can transfer from your body to others. This can happen if other people come into contact with the area where the AXIRON was applied.
Signs of puberty that are not expected (for example, pubic hair) have happened in young children who were accidentally exposed to testosterone through skin to skin contact with men using topical testosterone products like AXIRON.
- Women and children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where AXIRON has been applied. If a woman or child makes contact with the application area, the contact area on the woman or child should be washed well with soap and water right away.
- To lower the risk of transfer of AXIRON from your body to others, you should follow these important instructions:
- Apply AXIRON only to your armpits.
- Wash your hands right away with soap and water after applying AXIRON.
- After the solution has dried, cover the application area with clothing. Keep the area covered until you have washed the application area well or have showered.
- If you expect another person to have direct skin-to-skin contact with your armpits, first wash the application area well with soap and water.
Stop using AXIRON and call your healthcare provider right away if you see any signs and symptoms in a child or a woman that may have occurred through accidental exposure to AXIRON:
Signs and symptoms in children may include:
- enlarged penis or clitoris
- early development of pubic hair
- increased erections or sex drive
- aggressive behavior
Signs and symptoms in women may include:
- changes in body hair
- a large increase in acne
What is AXIRON?
- AXIRON is a prescription medicine that contains testosterone. AXIRON is used to treat adult males who have low or no testosterone due to certain medical conditions.
- Your healthcare provider will test your blood before you start and while you are taking AXIRON.
- It is not known if AXIRON is safe or effective to treat men who have low testosterone due to aging.
- It is not known if AXIRON is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years old. Improper use of AXIRON may affect bone growth in children.
- AXIRON is a controlled substance (CIII) because it contains testosterone that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines. Keep your AXIRON in a safe place to protect it. Never give AXIRON to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Selling or giving away this medicine may harm others and it is against the law.
- AXIRON is not meant for use in women.
Do not use AXIRON if you:
- have breast cancer.
- have or might have prostate cancer.
- are pregnant or may become pregnant or are breast-feeding. AXIRON may harm your unborn or breast-feeding baby.
Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should avoid contact with the area of the skin where AXIRON has been applied.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medicine if you have any of the above conditions.
Before you use AXIRON, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have breast cancer
- have or might have prostate cancer
- have urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate
- have heart problems
- have kidney or liver problems
- have problems breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea)
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Using AXIRON with other medicines can affect each other.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:
- insulin
- Medicines that decrease blood clotting
- corticosteroids
Know the medicines you take. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of all of your medicines if you are
not sure. Keep a list of them and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I use AXIRON?
- It is important that you apply AXIRON exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how much AXIRON to apply and when to apply it.
- your healthcare provider may change your AXIRON dose. Do not change your AXIRON dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
- AXIRON is to be applied to the armpits only. Do not apply AXIRON to any other parts of your body such as your stomach area (abdomen), penis, scrotum, shoulders or upper arms.
- Do not apply AXIRON with your fingers or hands.
- Apply AXIRON at about the same time each morning. AXIRON should be applied after showering or bathing.
- Avoid swimming or bathing for at least 2 hours after you apply AXIRON.
- You can use an antiperspirant or deodorant before applying AXIRON. If you use antiperspirant or deodorant, then it should be applied at least 2 minutes before you apply AXIRON.
- AXIRON is flammable until dry. Let AXIRON dry before smoking or going near an open flame.
- Avoid splashing in the eyes. In case of contact with eyes, flush thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Applying AXIRON
- Before using a new bottle of AXIRON for the first time, you will need to
prime the pump. To prime the AXIRON pump gently push down on the
pump 3 times. Do not use any AXIRON that came out while priming.
Wash it down the sink to avoid accidental exposure to others. Your
AXIRON pump is now ready to use.
AXIRON
Figure 1
- Use AXIRON exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it. Your healthcare provider will tell you the dose of AXIRON that is right for
you. Apply your dose correctly by following the application instructions in
the table below.
Find Your Dose as Prescribed by Your Healthcare Provider |
Each application equals 1 press (depression) of the pump. |
30 mg |
Apply 1 application one time, to one armpit only (left or right). |
60 mg |
Apply 2 applications: one to the left armpit and then one to the right armpit. |
90 mg |
Apply 3 applications: one to the left and one to the right armpit, wait for the product to dry, and then apply again one to the left or right armpit. |
120 mg |
Apply 4 applications: one to the left and one to the right armpit, wait for the product to dry, and then apply again one to the left and one to the right armpit. |
- Before applying AXIRON, make sure that your armpit is clean, dry and that there is no broken skin.
- Remove the cap and the applicator cup from the pump. Then, position the nozzle over the applicator cup and gently press down on (depress) the pump (see Figure 2).
Figure 2
- To apply the AXIRON solution, keep the applicator upright, place it up into the armpit application site and wipe steadily down and up (see Figure 3).
- If AXIRON drips or runs, wipe it back up with the applicator cup. Do not rub in the solution with your fingers or hand after it has been applied.
Figure 3
- Let the application site dry completely before putting on a shirt.
- After you have finished applying AXIRON, rinse the applicator cup with room temperature running water, and then pat it dry with a tissue. Carefully replace the applicator cup and cap back onto the bottle and make sure you store the bottle safely.
- Clean up any spilled solution from surfaces such as the sink or floor to make sure others do not come into contact with it.
- Wash your hands with soap and water right away.
What are the possible side effects of AXIRON?
- See also “What is the most important information I should know about AXIRON?”
AXIRON can cause serious side effects including:
- If you already have enlargement of your prostate gland your signs and symptoms can get worse while using AXIRON. This can include:
- increased urination at night
- trouble starting your urine stream
- having to pass urine many times during the day
- having an urge that you have to go to the bathroom right away
- having a urine accident
- being unable to pass urine or weak urine flow
- Possible increased risk of prostate cancer. Your healthcare provider should check you for prostate cancer or any other prostate problems before you start and while you use AXIRON.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs. Signs and symptoms of a blood clot in your leg can include leg pain, swelling or redness. Signs and symptoms of a blood clot in your lungs can include difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- Possible increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
- In large doses AXIRON may lower your sperm count.
- Swelling of your ankles, feet, or body.
- Enlarged or painful breasts.
- Problems breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea).
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the serious side effects listed above.
The most common side effects of AXIRON include:
- skin redness or irritation where AXIRON is applied
- increased red blood cell count
- headache
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- increase in blood level of Prostate Specific Antigen (a test used to screen for prostate cancer)
Other side effects include more erections than are normal for you or erections that last a long time.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of AXIRON.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store AXIRON?
- Store AXIRON upright at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
- When it is time to throw away the bottle, safely throw away all parts of the AXIRON dispenser including the bottle applicator cup and cap.
- Be careful to prevent accidental exposure of children or pets.
- Keep AXIRON away from fire.
Keep AXIRON and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of AXIRON.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use AXIRON for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give AXIRON to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about AXIRON that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in AXIRON?
Active ingredient: testosterone.
Inactive ingredients: ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, octisalate, and povidone.
The bottle and the applicator cup are not made with natural rubber latex.
AXIRON®
(AXE-e-RON)
(testosterone)
topical solution, for topical use
What is the most important information I should know about AXIRON?
AXIRON can transfer from your body to others. This can happen if other people come into contact with the area where the AXIRON was applied.
Signs of puberty that are not expected (for example, pubic hair) have happened in young children who were accidentally exposed to testosterone through skin to skin contact with men using topical testosterone products like AXIRON.
- Women and children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where AXIRON has been applied. If a woman or child makes contact with the application area, the contact area on the woman or child should be washed well with soap and water right away.
- To lower the risk of transfer of AXIRON from your body to others, you should follow these important instructions:
- Apply AXIRON only to your armpits.
- Wash your hands right away with soap and water after applying AXIRON.
- After the solution has dried, cover the application area with clothing. Keep the area covered until you have washed the application area well or have showered.
- If you expect another person to have direct skin-to-skin contact with your armpits, first wash the application area well with soap and water.
Stop using AXIRON and call your healthcare provider right away if you see any signs and symptoms in a child or a woman that may have occurred through accidental exposure to AXIRON:
Signs and symptoms in children may include:
- enlarged penis or clitoris
- early development of pubic hair
- increased erections or sex drive
- aggressive behavior
Signs and symptoms in women may include:
- changes in body hair
- a large increase in acne
What is AXIRON?
- AXIRON is a prescription medicine that contains testosterone. AXIRON is used to treat adult males who have low or no testosterone due to certain medical conditions.
- Your healthcare provider will test your blood before you start and while you are taking AXIRON.
- It is not known if AXIRON is safe or effective to treat men who have low testosterone due to aging.
- It is not known if AXIRON is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years old. Improper use of AXIRON may affect bone growth in children.
- AXIRON is a controlled substance (CIII) because it contains testosterone that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines. Keep your AXIRON in a safe place to protect it. Never give AXIRON to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Selling or giving away this medicine may harm others and it is against the law.
- AXIRON is not meant for use in women.
Do not use AXIRON if you:
- have breast cancer.
- have or might have prostate cancer.
- are pregnant or may become pregnant or are breast-feeding. AXIRON may harm your unborn or breast-feeding baby.
Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should avoid contact with the area of the skin where AXIRON has been applied.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medicine if you have any of the above conditions.
Before you use AXIRON, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have breast cancer
- have or might have prostate cancer
- have urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate
- have heart problems
- have kidney or liver problems
- have problems breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea)
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Using AXIRON with other medicines can affect each other.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:
- insulin
- medicines that decrease blood clotting
- corticosteroids
Know the medicines you take. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of all of your medicines if you are not sure. Keep a list of them and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I use AXIRON?
- Read the Instructions for Use that come with AXIRON. Make sure you understand how to get the correct dose. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
- It is important that you use AXIRON exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how much AXIRON to apply and when to apply it.
- Your healthcare provider may change your AXIRON dose. Do not change your AXIRON dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
- AXIRON is to be applied to the armpits only. Do not apply AXIRON to any other parts of your body such as your stomach area (abdomen), penis, scrotum, shoulders, or upper arms.
- Do not apply AXIRON with your fingers or hands.
- Apply AXIRON at about the same time each morning. AXIRON should be applied after showering or bathing.
- Avoid swimming or bathing for at least 2 hours after you apply AXIRON.
- You can use an antiperspirant or deodorant before applying AXIRON. If you use antiperspirant or deodorant, it should be applied at least 2 minutes before you apply AXIRON.
- AXIRON is flammable until dry. Let AXIRON dry before smoking or going near an open flame.
- Avoid splashing in the eyes. In case of contact with eyes, flush thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
- AXIRON comes in a metered-dose pump or twist actuated dispenser. Make sure you have the right pump or dispenser that is prescribed for you.
What are the possible side effects of AXIRON?
- See also “What is the most important information I should know about AXIRON?”
AXIRON can cause serious side effects including:
- If you already have enlargement of your prostate gland your signs and symptoms can get worse while using AXIRON. This can include:
- increased urination at night
- trouble starting your urine stream
- having to pass urine many times during the day
- having an urge that you have to go to the bathroom right away
- having a urine accident
- being unable to pass urine or weak urine flow
- Possible increased risk of prostate cancer. Your healthcare provider should check you for prostate cancer or any other prostate problems before you start and while you use AXIRON.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs. Signs and symptoms of a blood clot in your leg can include leg pain, swelling or redness. Signs and symptoms of a blood clot in your lungs can include difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- Possible increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
- In large doses AXIRON may lower your sperm count.
- Swelling of your ankles, feet, or body.
- Enlarged or painful breasts.
- Problems breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea).
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the serious side effects listed above.
The most common side effects of AXIRON include:
- skin redness or irritation where AXIRON is applied
- increased red blood cell count
- headache
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- increase in blood level of Prostate Specific Antigen (a test used to screen for prostate cancer)
Other side effects include more erections than are normal for you or erections that last a long time.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of AXIRON.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store AXIRON?
- Store AXIRON upright at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
- When it is time to throw away the bottle, safely throw away all parts of the AXIRON dispenser including the bottle applicator cup and cap.
- Be careful to prevent accidental exposure of children or pets.
- Keep AXIRON away from fire.
Keep AXIRON and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of AXIRON.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use AXIRON for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give AXIRON to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about AXIRON that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in AXIRON?
Active ingredient: testosterone.
Inactive ingredients: ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, octisalate, and povidone.
The bottle and the applicator cup are not made with natural rubber latex.
Instructions for Use
AXIRON®
(testosterone)
topical solution, for topical use
Please read these Instructions for Use before using AXIRON and each time you get a refill.There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with yourhealthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.
Important Information about AXIRON
- AXIRON is to be applied to the armpits only. Do not apply AXIRON to any other parts ofyour body, such as your stomach area (abdomen), penis, scrotum, shoulders, or upper arms. Do not drink AXIRON.
- Wait for at least 3 minutes after you have applied AXIRON to allow it to dry then cover your armpits with clothing such as a t-shirt. AXIRON can transfer from your bodyto others if they come in contact with the application area.
- Keep AXIRON away from women and children. If AXIRON gets on another person, wash the contact area well with soap and water right away.
- AXIRON is flammable until dry. Let AXIRON dry before smoking or going near fire oran open flame.
- Before you have skin-to-skin contact with another person, wash the application area wellwith soap and water to remove any remaining AXIRON from your skin.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how much AXIRON to apply. Do not change your AXIRON dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
- Apply AXIRON at about the same time each morning. AXIRON should be applied aftershowering or bathing to clean, dry skin.
- Clean up carefully after applying AXIRON. Take care when handling disposable tissues,clothing, towels, washcloths, and bedding that may have AXIRON on them.
- Avoid splashing AXIRON in the eyes. If you get AXIRON in your eyes, flush them well withwater. If your eyes do not feel better, call your healthcare provider right away.
- Avoid swimming or bathing for at least 2 hours after you apply AXIRON.
- Do not use AXIRON if the expiration date on the back of the bottle has passed.
- Do not use AXIRON if any parts appear broken.
 |
Prime Your Bottle
First time use only.
A new bottle of AXIRON must be primed before the first use to make sure you get the right dose. The bottle contains extra medicine for priming.
Remove
Hold the bottle upright.
Squeeze the red indents and lift the orange lid.
Twist
Twist the dose dial in the direction of the arrow until it lines up with the shape of the bottle.
Pour
Pour any medicine that comes out down the drain.
Repeat
Repeat steps B and C 2 more times.
If you get any medicine on your hands, wash your hands right away with soap and water.
Your bottle of AXIRON is now ready for use.
Twist and Apply
- Do not apply AXIRON to broken skin.
- Clean and dry armpits.
- If you use deodorant or antiperspirant, apply it first. Wait at least 2 minutes. Then apply AXIRON.
- Do not share your deodorant or antiperspirant with anyone else, it may expose them to AXIRON.
Review
Review the Dose Chart below for the number of twists you need before you begin.
Remove
Hold the bottle upright.
Squeeze the red indents and lift the orange lid.
Twist
Twist the dose dial in the direction of the arrow until it lines up with the shape of the bottle.
Apply
Do not apply AXIRON with your fingers and hand.
Wipe the applicator down and up in one armpit until the applicator is
empty.
Collect and Reapply
If AXIRON drips or runs, wipe it back up with the applicator.
- Reapply any drips to the same armpit.
Clean-Up
Protect others by cleaning up carefully after applying AXIRON.
Clean
Wipe applicator with disposable tissue. Throw away tissue in your household trash.
Put lid back on.
Wipe
Use another disposable tissue to clean up medicine from surfaces, such as the side of the bottle, sink, or floor.
Throw away tissue in your household trash.
Wash
Wash hands right away with soap and water.
Dry
Let armpits dry for 3 minutes before you put on a shirt.
Dose Chart
One twist gives 30 mg of AXIRON
Common Questions
Priming For First Time Use
- Why do I have to prime a new bottle?
Priming a new bottle removes trapped air so you get the correct amount of medicine in each dose.
- Do I have to prime the bottle every time?
No. You only have to prime a new bottle before you use it the first time.
- How can I tell if the bottle is ready for use?
Twist the dose dial, pour any medicine that comes out down the drain. Repeat two moretimes. Rinse the sink with water.
Using AXIRON
- What should I do if the dose dial will not twist?
Make sure you are twisting the dose dial to the right (clockwise) as shown by the raised arrow on the dose dial in Step 3 above.
- How can I tell when the bottle is empty?
No more medicine will come out of the bottle when you twist the dose dial repeatedly.
Storage and Disposal
- Store AXIRON upright at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
- When AXIRON is used up completely, safely throw away all parts of the AXIRON twistdispenser including the bottle and lid in the household trash.
- Be careful to prevent accidental exposure of children and pets.
- Keep AXIRON away from fire.
Keep AXIRON and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Read the information that is written for health professionals and the Medication Guide forAXIRON inside the box to learn more about your medicine.
If you have questions about AXIRON contact your healthcare provider. You can also contact: Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA. For more information, go to www.axiron.com or call 1-800-545-5979.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.