What is Jatenzo?
Jatenzo is a testosterone replacement therapy for men with hypogonadism caused by certain medical conditions. It’s not prescribed for age-related testosterone decline.
If your doctor has prescribed Jatenzo, or if you’re considering it, it’s essential to understand the potential side effects. Jatenzo contains testosterone, which can cause serious health problems. It’s important to note that testosterone replacement therapy, in general, comes with risks.
This article will give you a comprehensive overview of the side effects of Jatenzo, plus important warnings and precautions you should know about before starting treatment.
What is Jatenzo?
Jatenzo is a prescription medication containing testosterone undecanoate, but if you’re curious about other options, you may want to learn more about testosterone pills and their costs. It’s a testosterone replacement therapy prescribed for men diagnosed with hypogonadism, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone on its own. Because of the potential for misuse and abuse, Jatenzo is classified as a controlled substance.
The typical starting dose is 237 mg taken orally twice daily, but a doctor will adjust your dosage based on how your body responds to the medication and regular monitoring of your testosterone levels. It’s critical to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Jatenzo.
Important Warnings and Precautions for Jatenzo
Jatenzo comes with some serious warnings you need to know about. It can raise your blood pressure, which in turn can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems (sometimes called MACE). If you already have heart problems or risk factors for heart disease, you should use Jatenzo with extra caution.
It’s super important to keep your blood pressure under control while taking this medication. Your doctor should monitor it regularly.
Also, Jatenzo is not for everyone. You shouldn’t take it if you have prostate cancer, male breast cancer, or certain heart or health conditions. Talk to your doctor about your medical history.
Finally, it’s vital to understand that testosterone products can be misused and abused. Misusing Jatenzo can lead to addiction, serious health problems, or even death. Never share your medication with anyone, ever.
Serious Side Effects of Jatenzo
Like any medication, Jatenzo has the potential to cause side effects, some of which can be serious. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential risks and to discuss them with your doctor.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Jatenzo can increase blood pressure, which in turn raises the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). MACE is a term doctors use to describe a combination of serious heart-related problems, including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death.
Symptoms of a heart attack may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck, or stomach
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
Symptoms of a stroke may include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Blood Clots
Testosterone products, including Jatenzo, may increase the risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE).
Symptoms of a DVT can include pain, swelling, warmth, redness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg.
Symptoms of a PE can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
Psychiatric Side Effects
Jatenzo can also affect your mood. Some people may experience mood changes such as depression, anxiety, or irritability. Others may become more aggressive or hostile.
If you experience any significant mood changes while taking Jatenzo, it’s important to report them to your doctor right away.
Less Common Side Effects of Jatenzo
While Jatenzo can be an effective testosterone replacement therapy, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects beyond the more common ones. These are less frequently reported, but still warrant attention.
Dermatological Reactions
It’s worth noting that skin reactions are pretty common with topical testosterone treatments. For example, research indicates that skin reactions occurred in over 16% of men using topical testosterone, and allergic contact dermatitis in as many as 37%. While Jatenzo is an oral medication, this information suggests that skin sensitivities are a possibility with testosterone therapies in general.
- Acne and oily skin.
Genitourinary Effects
Some men taking Jatenzo may experience changes related to their genitourinary system, including:
- Prostate enlargement.
- Changes in libido (sex drive).
Endocrine System Effects
Jatenzo can also impact the endocrine system, potentially leading to:
- Jatenzo can also impact the endocrine system, potentially leading to: Gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men), a condition for which some may consider treatments like Arimidex.
- Decreased sperm production.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t an exhaustive list, and everyone reacts differently to medications. If you’re taking Jatenzo and notice any unusual or concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to discuss them with your doctor. They can assess the situation, determine if the symptoms are related to the medication, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Rare and Incidence Not Known Side Effects
Jatenzo, like all medications, can cause side effects. Here’s a look at some of the less common ones reported during clinical trials or post-market surveillance.
Rare Side Effects
One rare side effect associated with Jatenzo is polycythemia. Polycythemia is when your body produces too many red blood cells.
If you’re taking Jatenzo, your doctor will monitor your red blood cell count with regular blood tests. Polycythemia can increase your risk of blood clots and other complications, so it’s important to catch it early.
Incidence Not Known
There are also a number of side effects that have been reported by people taking Jatenzo, but the researchers haven’t yet been able to determine exactly how frequently these side effects occur.
These potential side effects include (but aren’t limited to):
- Allergic reactions
- Changes in liver function
- Sleep apnea
It’s super important to tell your doctor about any new or unusual symptoms you experience while taking Jatenzo. Even if a side effect is rare or its frequency is unknown, your doctor can assess whether it’s related to the medication and take appropriate action.
Other Side Effects and Considerations
Like all medications, Jatenzo can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences them, it’s important to be aware of potential adverse events.
General Adverse Events
Some people taking Jatenzo have reported experiencing:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headaches
Gastrointestinal Issues
Jatenzo can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in appetite
Local Reactions
Jatenzo is taken orally, in capsule form. If Jatenzo were available as an injectable, there might be irritation at the injection site. However, this isn’t a factor with the current formulation.
It’s worth noting that gingivitis (gum inflammation) is a very common side effect reported by people using testosterone buccal film, another method of testosterone replacement. While this isn’t directly related to Jatenzo, it could potentially suggest a tendency for similar reactions with certain testosterone delivery methods. This isn’t meant to worry you, just to suggest the range of possible side effects for testosterone therapies.
Jatenzo Overdose Symptoms and What to Do
If you take too much Jatenzo, you might experience several symptoms, including blurred vision, seizures, a severe headache, or slurred speech. If you think you’ve overdosed on Jatenzo, it’s critical to get medical help right away.
Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- You can also contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Don’t wait to seek help. Overdosing on testosterone can cause serious health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jatenzo safe?
Jatenzo, like all medications, carries potential risks. While it can be effective for treating low testosterone, its safety profile needs careful consideration. Discuss your medical history and potential risks with your doctor to determine if Jatenzo is right for you.
Does oral testosterone damage the liver?
Older forms of oral testosterone, specifically methylated versions, were known to cause liver damage. Jatenzo is a different formulation designed to bypass the liver during initial metabolism, but it’s still crucial to discuss potential liver-related risks with your physician.
Does Jatenzo build muscle?
Jatenzo may contribute to muscle growth as it raises testosterone levels, which play a role in muscle protein synthesis. However, it’s important to combine Jatenzo with a healthy diet and regular exercise for optimal muscle-building results. It’s not a magic bullet for muscle growth alone.
What is the most powerful supplement for testosterone?
The effectiveness of testosterone supplements varies greatly. Prescription testosterone medications, like Jatenzo, are generally more potent and regulated than over-the-counter supplements. However, always consult a doctor before taking any supplements, such as zinc for increasing testosterone, as they can interact with other medications or have side effects.
What is the black box warning on Jatenzo?
Jatenzo carries a black box warning, the FDA’s most serious warning, regarding the risk of increased blood pressure. Regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial while taking Jatenzo, and patients with uncontrolled hypertension should avoid it. There is also a risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).
In Conclusion
If you’re taking Jatenzo, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare team. You’ll need regular blood tests to keep an eye on your testosterone levels and make sure you’re not experiencing side effects.
Keep your doctor informed about how you’re feeling. If you notice anything unusual or bothersome, let them know right away. It’s important to catch any potential problems early.
Remember, the information here is for informational purposes only, and it’s definitely not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about Jatenzo or your health in general, always talk to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider. They can give you the personalized guidance you need.