TEST-C Injection (Testosterone Cypionate 250 mg/ml)

What is TEST-C Injection?

TEST-C Injection is a prescription medication containing testosterone cypionate (250 mg/ml), a synthetic ester of the male hormone testosterone. Administered intramuscularly, it is an oil-based, long-acting injectable used to treat low testosterone levels in adult males, a condition known as hypogonadism. Manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies, it mimics natural testosterone to support male sexual development, muscle growth, and secondary sex characteristics like facial hair and deep voice. It is typically injected into the gluteal muscle by a healthcare provider or self-administered at home after proper training. It is not approved for use in women or children under 12 years.

Benefits

• Restores Testosterone Levels: Elevates testosterone to normal ranges (300–1050 ng/dL), alleviating symptoms of low testosterone such as fatigue, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.

• Promotes Muscle and Bone Health: Enhances muscle mass, strength, and bone density, countering muscle loss and osteoporosis risk in hypogonadal men.

• Improves Mood and Energy: Reduces depression, irritability, and fatigue, improving overall quality of life and mental well-being.

• Long-Lasting Effect: With an 8-day half-life, it requires less frequent injections (every 2–4 weeks), ensuring stable testosterone levels.

Uses

• Primary Hypogonadism: Treats testicular failure due to conditions like cryptorchidism, bilateral torsion, orchitis, or orchidectomy.

• Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: Addresses testosterone deficiency from gonadotropin or LHRH deficiency, or pituitary-hypothalamic injury due to tumors, trauma, or radiation.

• Delayed Puberty (Off-Label): May be used in adolescent males to initiate puberty when delayed, under strict medical supervision.

• Breast Cancer (Off-Label): Occasionally used in palliative treatment to counter estrogen effects in specific breast cancer cases.

Side Effects

• Common: Acne, oily skin, increased body hair, hair loss, injection site pain, headache, or fluid retention (edema). These are often mild and manageable.

• Serious (Rare): Blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), heart attack, stroke, liver damage, prostate enlargement, or increased prostate cancer risk. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulty, or severe swelling occur.

• Other: Gynecomastia, mood swings, libido changes, high blood pressure, or reduced sperm count (potentially affecting fertility). Regular blood tests are needed to monitor testosterone levels and side effects.