Clinical data | |
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Pronunciation | /tɛˈstɒstəroʊnənˈdɛkənoʊeɪt/ teh-STOS-tə-rohn ən-DEK-ə-noh-ayt |
Trade names | Oral: Kyzatrex, Andriol, Jatenzo, Testoheal, others IM: Aveed, Nebido, others |
Other names | TU; Testosterone undecylate; Testosterone 17β-undecanoate; ORG-538; CLR-610 |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a614041 |
License data | |
Pregnancy category |
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Dependence liability | Moderate [2] |
Addiction liability | Moderate [2] |
Routes of administration | By mouth, intramuscular injection |
Drug class | Androgen; Anabolic steroid; Androgen ester |
ATC code | |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | Oral: 3–7%[ medical citation needed ] Intramuscular: high |
Protein binding | High (testosterone) |
Metabolism | Liver |
Metabolites | Testosterone, undecanoic acid, metabolites of testosterone |
Elimination half-life | IM (in tea seed oil): 20.9 days [7] [8] IM (in castor oil): 33.9 days [7] [8] |
Excretion | ~90% Urine, 6% feces |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.025.193 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C30H48O3 |
Molar mass | 456.711 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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Testosterone undecanoate, sold under the brand name Nebido among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication that is used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men, [9] [7] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] It is taken by mouth or given by injection into muscle. [11] [15]
Side effects of testosterone undecanoate include symptoms of masculinization like acne, increased hair growth, voice changes, hypertension, elevated liver enzymes, hypertriglyceridemia, and increased sexual desire. [11] The drug is a prodrug of testosterone, the biological ligand of the androgen receptor (AR) and hence is an androgen and anabolic steroid. [16] [11] It has strong androgenic effects and moderate anabolic effects, which make it useful for producing masculinization and suitable for androgen replacement therapy. [11] Testosterone undecanoate is a testosterone ester and a prodrug of testosterone in the body. [10] [9] [7] Because of this, it is considered to be a natural and bioidentical form of testosterone. [17]
Testosterone undecanoate was introduced in China for use by injection and in the European Union for use by mouth in the 1970s. [18] [19] It became available for use by injection in the European Union in the early to mid 2000s and in the United States in 2014. [20] [21] Formulations for use by mouth are approved in the United States. [4] [5] [22] Along with testosterone enanthate, testosterone cypionate, and testosterone propionate, testosterone undecanoate is one of the most widely used testosterone esters. [16] [7] [11] However, it has advantages over other testosterone esters in that it can be taken by mouth and in that it has a far longer duration when given by injection. [23] [9] [7] [8] [11] In addition to its medical use, testosterone undecanoate is used to improve physique and performance. [11] The drug is a controlled substance in many countries. [11]
Oral administration of testosterone undecanoate is an effective method to achieve therapeutic physiological levels of serum testosterone in patients with hypogonadism. In addition, oral therapy has been found to have a positive impact in these patients on quality of life factors such as sexual function, mood, and mental status, as documented in various studies. [24]
Testosterone undecanoate is indicated for testosterone replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. [4] [5] [6]
Side effects of testosterone undecanoate include virilization among others. [11]
The Reandron 1000 formulation (Aveed in the United States) contains 1,000 mg of testosterone undecanoate suspended in 4 ml castor oil with benzyl benzoate for solubilization and as a preservative, and is administered by intramuscular injection. As an excipient in Reandron 1000, benzyl benzoate has been reported as a cause of anaphylaxis (a serious life-threatening allergic reaction) in a case in Australia. [25] Bayer includes this report in information for health professionals and recommends that physicians "should be aware of the potential for serious allergic reactions" to preparations of this type. [26] In Australia, reports to the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC), which evaluates reports of adverse drug reactions for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), show several reports of allergic reactions since the anaphylaxis case from 2011.[ medical citation needed ]
Medication | Ratioa |
---|---|
Testosterone | ~1:1 |
Androstanolone (DHT) | ~1:1 |
Methyltestosterone | ~1:1 |
Methandriol | ~1:1 |
Fluoxymesterone | 1:1–1:15 |
Metandienone | 1:1–1:8 |
Drostanolone | 1:3–1:4 |
Metenolone | 1:2–1:30 |
Oxymetholone | 1:2–1:9 |
Oxandrolone | 1:3–1:13 |
Stanozolol | 1:1–1:30 |
Nandrolone | 1:3–1:16 |
Ethylestrenol | 1:2–1:19 |
Norethandrolone | 1:1–1:20 |
Notes: In rodents. Footnotes:a = Ratio of androgenic to anabolic activity. Sources: See template. |
Testosterone undecanoate is a prodrug of testosterone and is an androgen and anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS). That is, it is an agonist of the androgen receptor (AR).
Testosterone undecanoate has a very long elimination half-life and mean residence time when given as a depot intramuscular injection. [27] [7] [8] Its elimination half-life is 20.9 days and its mean residence time is 34.9 days in tea seed oil, while its elimination half-life is 33.9 days and its mean residence time is 36.0 days in castor oil. [7] [8] These values are substantially longer than those of testosterone enanthate (which, in castor oil, has values of 4.5 days and 8.5 days, respectively). [27]
Testosterone undecaondate has very low bioavailability when taken orally, only about 3-7% in men and 4-10% in women. [28] [29] [30] This bioavailability is increased with food, especially foods containing fat, thus it is typically recommended to be taken with a meal. [31] [32] [33] [34] It is absorbed through the lymphatic system (90-100%) and peak serum levels are reached after about 3-5 hours. [29] [35] [36] From there, plasma levels decline, typically reaching pre-dose levels after 6-12 hours. The elimination half-life via the oral route has been stated to be 1.6 hours, with a mean residence time of 3.7 hours. [7] However, there is a large amount of individual variability in its duration of action. [37] For this reason it is often dosed twice or even three times a day. [37] [35]
Testosterone undecanoate is metabolized partially in the intestinal wall into 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone undecanoate (DHTU). [38] In the blood, non-specific esterases metabolize testosterone undecanoate into testosterone and DHTU into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). [38] Thus, testosterone undecanoate increases plasma levels of both testerone and DHT. The fact the conversion happens in the blood complicates the accurate measurement of blood levels of testosterone induced by the drug, as the conversion continues to occur while blood samples are being prepared for assay. Ideally, enzyme inhibitors should be used to properly assay the blood testosterone levels induced by testosterone undecanoate. [38]
Testosterone undecanoate, or testosterone 17β-undecanoate, is a synthetic androstane steroid and a derivative of testosterone. [39] [40] It is an androgen ester; specifically, it is the C17β undecylate (undecanoate) ester of testosterone. [39] [40] A related testosterone ester with a similarly very long duration is testosterone buciclate. [9] [10]
The first commercialized preparation of oral testosterone undecanoate had it dissolved in oleic acid. [37] This formulation had to be refrigerated in the pharmacy for reasons of stability and would only last about three months at room temperature. [37] A newer more stable pharmaceutical formulation with castor oil and propylene glycol laurate has since been developed. [37] This new formulation can be stored at room temperature for three years. [37] A novel self-emulsifying formulation of oral testosterone undecanoate in 300-mg capsules for use once per day has been under development.< [41]
In the late 1970s, testosterone undecanoate was introduced for oral use in Europe, [18] although intramuscular testosterone undecanoate had already been in use in China for several years. [19] Intramuscular testosterone undecanoate was not introduced in Europe and the United States until much later, in the early to mid 2000s and 2014, respectively. [20] [21] Testosterone undecanoate was approved in the United States only in 2014 after three previous rejections due to safety concerns. [42]
Testosterone undecanoate is the generic name of the drug and its USAN and BAN . [39] [40] [43] [44] It is also referred to as testosterone undecylate. [39] [40] [43] [44]
Testosterone undecanoate is or has been marketed under a variety of brand names, including Andriol, Androxon, Aveed, Cernos Depot, Jatenzo, Kyzatrex, [6] Nebido, Nebido-R, Panteston, Reandron 1000, Restandol, Sustanon 250, Undecanoate 250, and Undestor. [39] [40] [43] [45] [44]
Oral testosterone undecanoate is available in Europe, Mexico, Asia, and the United States. [46] [47]
Intramuscular testosterone undecanoate has been approved worldwide, [46] [11] including the European Union, Russia, and the United States. [11] [46] [48] Intramuscular testosterone undecanoate is marketed as Nebido in Europe and as Aveed in the United States while oral testosterone undecanoate is marketed as Andriol. [11] [46] [48]
Testosterone undecanoate, along with other AAS, is a schedule III controlled substance in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act and a schedule IV controlled substance in Canada under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. [49] [50]
In March 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration approved testosterone undecanoate (Jatenzo), an oral testosterone capsule to treat men with certain forms of hypogonadism. These men have low testosterone levels due to specific medical conditions, such as genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome or tumors that have damaged the pituitary gland. [22] The FDA granted the approval of Jatenzo to Clarus Therapeutics. [22] [51]
In March 2022, testosterone undecanoate (Tlando) was approved for medical use in the United States. [5]
In July 2022, Kyzatrex, an oral testosterone undecanoate capsule, was approved for medical use in the United States. [6] [52] The FDA granted the approval of Kyzatrex to Marius Pharmaceuticals. [52] [53]
In 2013, a phase II clinical trial testing intramuscular testosterone undecanoate for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was initiated in the United Kingdom. [54] In the United States in 2018, Lipocine Inc. began investigating the potential of using an oral testosterone undecanoate formulation, known as LPCN-1144, in patients with NASH. [55]
In 2013, a study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of testosterone undecanoate therapy on bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in elderly males with osteoporosis and low serum testosterone levels.
They study found that administering low-dose testosterone undecanoate (TU) at a rate of 20 mg per day to elderly men with low serum testosterone and osteoporosis effectively increases bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, and improves bone turnover, similar to the standard-dose TU (40 mg, per day) treatment. The treatment did not exhibit any adverse side effects on the prostate gland, including prostate-specific antigen. Therefore, low-dose TU appears to be a safe and cost-effective protocol for treating elderly male osteoporosis. [56] However, further clinical trials with larger sample sizes, multiple centers, and long-term follow-ups are required to determine the efficacy and safety of low-dose testosterone undecanoate treatment in elderly male osteoporosis with low serum testosterone.
There is a potential concern in the medical community that the administration of testosterone therapy for the treatment of late-onset hypogonadism may escalate the risks associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer and heart diseases. [57]
In 2020, a study that evaluated the effects of testosterone therapy in men with testosterone deficiency and varying degrees of weight (normal weight, overweight, and obesity) on anthropometric and metabolic parameters found that long-term testosterone undecanoate therapy in hypogonadal men, regardless of their weight at the start of the study, led to improvements in several body composition parameters, including body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index. Additionally, testosterone undecanoate therapy was found to lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels and improve lipid profiles in this population. [58]
There have been several studies that evaluate the effect of testosterone therapy on bone density or bone mineral density (BMD). One study concluded that long-term testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in middle-aged men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and metabolic syndrome (MS) led to a significant increase in both vertebral and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) after 36 months of treatment, as measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The TRT treatment was shown to induce a 5% per year increase in BMD without changes in body mass index (BMI). The study suggests that long-term TRT could be beneficial for improving bone health in middle-aged men with LOH and MS, even in the absence of osteoporosis. [59]
Methyltestosterone, sold under the brand names Android, Metandren, and Testred among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men, delayed puberty in boys, at low doses as a component of menopausal hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, osteoporosis, and low sexual desire in women, and to treat breast cancer in women. It is taken by mouth or held in the cheek or under the tongue.
Nandrolone, also known as 19-nortestosterone, is an endogenous androgen which exists in the male body at a ratio of 1:50 compared to testosterone. It is also an anabolic steroid (AAS) which is medically used in the form of esters such as nandrolone decanoate and nandrolone phenylpropionate. Nandrolone esters are used in the treatment of anemias, cachexia, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and for other indications. They are now used by oral administration or instead are given by injection into muscle or fat.
Stanozolol, sold under many brand names, is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is used to treat hereditary angioedema. It was developed by American pharmaceutical company Winthrop Laboratories in 1962, and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for human use, though it is no longer marketed in the USA. It is also used in veterinary medicine. Stanozolol has mostly been discontinued, and remains available in only a few countries. It is given by mouth in humans or by injection into muscle in animals.
Nandrolone decanoate, sold under the brand names Rolon and Deca-Durabolin, among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used primarily in the treatment of anemias and wasting syndromes, as well as osteoporosis in menopausal women. It is given by injection into muscle or fat once every one to four weeks.
Testosterone cypionate, sold under the brand name Depo-Testosterone among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men, including hormone therapy for transgender men. It is given by injection into muscle or subcutaneously, once every one to four weeks, depending on clinical indication.
Testosterone enanthate is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men. It is also used in hormone therapy for transgender men. It is given by injection into muscle or subcutaneously usually once every one to four weeks.
Testosterone propionate, sold under the brand name Testoviron among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men. It has also been used to treat breast cancer in women. It is given by injection into muscle usually once every two to three days.
Mesterolone, sold under the brand name Proviron among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels. It has also been used to treat male infertility, although this use is controversial. It is taken by mouth.
Trestolone, also known as 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT), is an experimental androgen/anabolic steroid (AAS) and progestogen medication which has been under development for potential use as a form of hormonal birth control for men and in androgen replacement therapy for low testosterone levels in men but has never been marketed for medical use. It is given as an implant that is placed into fat. As trestolone acetate, an androgen ester and prodrug of trestolone, the medication can also be given by injection into muscle.
Androgen replacement therapy (ART), often referred to as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), is a form of hormone therapy in which androgens, often testosterone, are supplemented or replaced. It typically involves the administration of testosterone through injections, skin creams, patches, gels, pills, or subcutaneous pellets. ART is often prescribed to counter the effects of male hypogonadism.
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a class of drugs that selectively activate the androgen receptor in specific tissues, promoting muscle and bone growth while having less effect on male reproductive tissues like the prostate gland.
Masculinizing hormone therapy, also known as transmasculine hormone therapy or female-to-male hormone therapy, is a form of hormone therapy and gender affirming therapy which is used to change the secondary sexual characteristics of transgender people from feminine or androgynous to masculine. It is a common type of transgender hormone therapy, and is predominantly used to treat transgender men and other transmasculine individuals who were assigned female at birth. Some intersex people also receive this form of therapy, either starting in childhood to confirm the assigned sex or later if the assignment proves to be incorrect.
Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are a class of drugs that are structurally related to testosterone, the main male sex hormone, and produce effects by binding to the androgen receptor (AR). Anabolic steroids have a number of medical uses, but are also used by athletes to increase muscle size, strength, and performance.
Testosterone decanoate is an androgen and anabolic steroid and a testosterone ester. It is a component of Sustanon, along with testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, and testosterone isocaproate. The medication has not been marketed as a single-drug preparation. Testosterone decanoate has been investigated as a potential long-acting injectable male contraceptive. It has a longer duration of action than testosterone enanthate, but its duration is not as prolonged as that of testosterone undecanoate.
Nandrolone phenylpropionate (NPP), or nandrolone phenpropionate, sold under the brand name Durabolin among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which has been used primarily in the treatment of breast cancer and osteoporosis in women. It is given by injection into muscle once every week. Although it was widely used in the past, the drug has mostly been discontinued and hence is now mostly no longer available.
Testosterone buciclate is a synthetic, injected anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) which was never marketed. It was developed in collaboration by the Contraceptive Development Branch (CDB) of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1970s and early 1980s for use in androgen replacement therapy for male hypogonadism and as a potential male contraceptive. It was first described in 1986. The medication is an androgen ester – specifically, the C17β buciclate (4-butylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate) ester of testosterone – and is a prodrug of testosterone with a very long duration of action when used as a depot via intramuscular injection. Testosterone buciclate is formulated as a microcrystalline aqueous suspension with a defined particle size of at least 75% in the range of 10 to 50 μm.
Testosterone (T) is a medication and naturally occurring steroid hormone. It is used to treat male hypogonadism, gender dysphoria, and certain types of breast cancer. It may also be used to increase athletic ability in the form of doping. It is unclear if the use of testosterone for low levels due to aging is beneficial or harmful. Testosterone can be used as a gel or patch that is applied to the skin, injection into a muscle, tablet that is placed in the cheek, or tablet that is taken by mouth.
Dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU), also known by its developmental code name CDB-4521, is an experimental androgen/anabolic steroid (AAS) and progestogen medication which is under development as a potential birth control pill for men. It is taken by mouth, but can also be given by injection into muscle.
Androstanolone, or stanolone, also known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and sold under the brand name Andractim among others, is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication and hormone which is used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men. It is also used to treat breast development and small penis in males. Compared to testosterone, androstanolone (DHT) is less likely to aromatize into estrogen, and therefore it shows less pronounced estrogenic side effects, such as gynecomastia and water retention. On the other hand, androstanolone (DHT) show more significant androgenic side effects, such as acne, hair loss and prostate enlargement.
The pharmacology of testosterone, an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication and naturally occurring steroid hormone, concerns its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and various routes of administration.