Generic Name: fluoxymesterone (floo OX i MES te rone)
Brand names: Androxy, Halotestin
What is fluoxymesterone?
Fluoxymesterone is a man-made form of testosterone, a naturally occurring sex hormone that is produced in a man's testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are also produced in a woman's ovaries and adrenal system.
Fluoxymesterone is used in men and boys to treat conditions caused by a lack of this hormone, such as delayed puberty or other hormonal imbalances.
Fluoxymesterone is also used in women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Fluoxymesterone treats only the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.
Fluoxymesterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about fluoxymesterone?
Fluoxymesterone can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fluoxymesterone, or have prostate cancer or male breast cancer.
Before taking fluoxymesterone, tell your doctor if you have benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), breast cancer, delayed puberty (unless you are taking fluoxymesterone to treat it), liver or kidney disease, any debilitating condition, heart disease, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), congestive heart failure, or a history of heart attack.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly. In boys who are treated for delayed puberty, bone development may need to be checked with x-rays every 6 months during treatment.
Fluoxymesterone will not enhance athletic performance and should not be used for that purpose or shared with another person.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluoxymesterone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fluoxymesterone, or if you have:
prostate cancer;
male breast cancer; or
if you are pregnant.
To make sure you can safely take fluoxymesterone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH);
breast cancer;
delayed puberty (unless you are taking fluoxymesterone to treat it);
liver or kidney disease;
any debilitating condition; or
heart disease, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), congestive heart failure, or a history of heart attack.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use fluoxymesterone if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether fluoxymesterone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking fluoxymesterone. Fluoxymesterone can affect bone growth in boys who are treated for delayed puberty. Bone development may need to be checked with x-rays every 6 months during treatment.
How should I take fluoxymesterone?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
See also: Fluoxymesterone dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking fluoxymesterone?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Fluoxymesterone will not enhance athletic performance and should not be used for that purpose or shared with another person.
Fluoxymesterone side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using fluoxymesterone and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling in your ankles, rapid weight gain;
increased or ongoing erection of the penis;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless; or
upper stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Women receiving fluoxymesterone may develop male characteristics, which could be irreversible if testosterone treatment is continued. Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you notice any of these signs of excess testosterone:
changes in menstrual periods;
male-pattern hair growth (such as on the chin or chest);
hoarse voice; or
enlarged clitoris.
Less serious side effects (in men or women) may include:
acne, changes in skin color;
increased hair growth;
male pattern baldness;
increased or decreased interest in sex;
breast swelling;
headache, anxiety, depression; or
numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Fluoxymesterone Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Hypogonadism -- Male:
5 to 20 mg orally once a day or divided into 3 or 4 doses. It is usually preferable to begin treatment with full therapeutic doses which should later be adjusted to individual requirements.
Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer:
10 to 40 mg orally per day divided into 3 or 4 doses. The duration of therapy is at least one month for a satisfactory response, and 2 to 3 months for an objective response. Females with disseminated breast carcinoma should have frequent determination of the urine and serum calcium levels during the course of therapy. Female patients should also be observed for signs of virilization which is usual following androgen use at high doses. They may be instructed to report any hoarseness, acne, changes in menstrual periods or increase in facial hair. Discontinuation of drug therapy at the time of evidence of mild virilism is necessary to prevent irreversible virilization. A decision may be made that some virilization will be tolerated during the treatment for malignant disease.
Usual Adult Dose for Postmenopausal Symptoms:
1 to 2 mg orally 2 times a day for 3 to 6 weeks. Fluoxymesterone is generally administered in combination with ethinyl estradiol.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Delayed Puberty -- Male:
2.5 to 20 mg orally per day or in 3 to 4 divided doses for up to 4 to 6 months. Dosage should be carefully titrated utilizing a low dosage.
What other drugs will affect fluoxymesterone?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
insulin or oral diabetes medication; or
steroids (oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable).
There may be other drugs that can interact with fluoxymesterone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
More fluoxymesterone resources
- Fluoxymesterone Side Effects (in more detail)
- Fluoxymesterone Dosage
- Fluoxymesterone Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Fluoxymesterone Drug Interactions
- Fluoxymesterone Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Fluoxymesterone - Add your own review/rating
- Fluoxymesterone MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Fluoxymesterone Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Fluoxymesterone Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Androxy Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Halotestin Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare fluoxymesterone with other medications
- Breast Cancer
- Breast Cancer, Palliative
- Delayed Puberty, Male
- Hypogonadism, Male
- Postmenopausal Symptoms
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluoxymesterone.
See also: fluoxymesterone side effects (in more detail)
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