ANDRIOL ® is a testosterone undecanoate drug
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Androgens
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications ANDRIOL ® - Testosterone undecanoate
ANDRIOL ® is used as a replacement therapy in castrated adults and in patients with hypogonadism secondary to pituitary or testicular disease.
Androgens are also commonly used in the symptomatic treatment of endocrine impotence, decreased libido in the male climacteric syndrome and in eunucoidism cases.
Taking ANDRIOL ® may be indicated in the treatment of some forms of osteoporosis due to androgen failure.
Mechanism of action ANDRIOL ® - Testosterone undecanoate
The testosterone undecanoate contained in ANDRIOL ® is an ester of the common testosterone obtained by the addition of castor oil and propylene glycol which substantially modify the pharmacokinetic characteristics of this hormone.
The high lipophilicity, typical of this form of testosterone, allows its excellent absorption at the intestinal level and the subsequent sorting through the lymphatic system, thus skipping the effect of the first hepatic passage, with a consequent increase in bioavailability.
This particular step translates into a significant increase in the testosterone / dehydrotestosterone ratio, which limits some potential side effects of androgen therapy.
The therapeutic importance of testosterone is justified by the key biological role that this hormone has in relation to numerous organs and target tissues.
Among the countless biological functions in which he is involved, it is possible to remember his participation in:
- Guarantee the correct development of male sexual organs and the maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics;
- Support the growth of skeletal musculature: anabolic effect characterized by an inducing action on the protein synthesis and inhibitor on catabolism;
- Maintain high sexual libido, guaranteeing a physiological response to excitement and orgasm;
- Induce skeletal and cartilaginous changes: an important action in controlling the development of the skeleton and in ensuring changes to the larynx and vocal cords, responsible for lowering the tone of the voice;
- Facilitate hematopoiesis, so that the concentrations of hemoglobin and the number of circulating erythrocytes follow the physiological course of this hormone;
- Modulate motivational and emotional aspects.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. ANDRIOL AND ERECTILE DEFECTION
The administration of ANDRIOL in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction associated with hypogonadism, resulted in a marked improvement of the symptomatology without particularly significant side effects. This therapy has proved effective where other medical protocols have failed.
2. THE SIDE EFFECTS OF DOPING WITH TESTOSTERONE ON THE HEART
Work that focuses on the cardiovascular side effects of using testosterone in doping practice. More precisely, both in athletes and in laboratory animals subjected to testosterone administration, it was possible to detect a profound anomaly of the histological features of the myocardium with alterations in systolic function.
3. THE NEW DOPING FIGHTING TECHNIQUES
Study that describes the innovative techniques used in the sports field for the fight against doping, concentrated in the cross blood evaluation of urine of possible metabolites closely related to the metabolism of testosterone.
Method of use and dosage
ANDRIOL ®
Testosterone undecanoate 40 mg capsules solubilized in a mixture of castor oil and propylene glycolate:
the dosing schedule varies considerably from patient to patient, depending on his clinical status and the capacity responsive to therapy.
In principle the therapeutic range should be between 40 and 160 mg daily.
Given the highly lipophilic nature of testosterone undecanoate, it should be taken immediately after meals, dividing the daily dose into two intakes.
Warnings ANDRIOL ® - Testosterone undecanoate
The particular biological complexity of androgen-based hormone therapy requires close medical supervision, both in the dosage definition phases and throughout the therapeutic process.
Particular attention should be paid to patients suffering from hypertension, epilepsy, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal and metabolic pathologies, in which the intake of androgens could worsen the clinical picture or alter its evolution.
The doctor should periodically monitor the patient's state of health, also assessing possible nervous and mental impacts of the therapy.
The use in prepubera age should instead take place with particular attention, given the possible deleterious effects on bone growth and on the too rapid development of the male genital organs.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The use of ANDRIOL ® is indicated only for male patients.
Intake of androgens during pregnancy could result in virilization of the fetus or premature births.
Interactions
Although no clinically relevant drug interactions are currently known, it should be noted that testosterone intake could determine:
- Increased incidence of bleeding in patients undergoing oral anticoagulants;
- Edema, in patients undergoing simultaneous cortisone therapy;
- Alterations in carbohydrate metabolism;
- Increased thyroid hormone activity due to decreased protein binding.
Contraindications ANDRIOL ® - Testosterone undecanoate
Testosterone intake is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to one of its excipients, breast cancer, estrogen-dependent neoplasms, cancer and prostatic hypertrophy, history of hepatocarcinoma, hypercalcaemia, nephrotic syndrome, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
The use of androgens could be associated with nervous and psychiatric disorders accompanied by sexual disorders.
Taking ANDRIOL ® in a prepubescent age could lead to an early welding of the epiphyses, preventing the correct lengthening of long bones.
Several clinical trials and numerous case reports have shown cases of oligospermia and altered number and functionality of spermatozoa.
Although rarely, cases of hypercholesterolemia, water retention, acne, baldness, seborrhea, pruritus, thromboembolic and cardiovascular complications have been reported.
Testosterone abuse, particularly widespread among athletes of various disciplines without any medical indication, is more frequently associated with the appearance of the aforementioned side effects.
Note
ANDRIOL ® is salable only under medical prescription.
ANDRIOL ® is an anabolic agent, therefore its use, outside of medical prescriptions on pathological grounds, is prohibited in the race and out of the race.
