Jatenzo is a prescription medicine used to treat adult men who have low testosterone due to certain medical conditions. It’s a type of testosterone replacement therapy, and it’s important to understand what it’s for, how to take it, and what to watch out for when taking it.
Testosterone replacement can have significant benefits for men who are testosterone deficient. But it’s also important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. You need to be aware of dosage instructions, contraindications, and possible drug interactions.
As of this writing, there’s no Jatenzo generic available. That means Jatenzo is only available as a brand-name drug. Because Jatenzo is a newer drug, a generic form may be available in the future.
This article offers a complete guide to Jatenzo, including its uses, side effects, and warnings.
Jatenzo: Basic Information and Availability
If your doctor thinks Jatenzo might be right for you, here’s some basic information you should know.
Generic Name and Formulations
Jatenzo is a brand-name prescription medication. Its active ingredient is testosterone undecanoate.
Legal Classification and General Description
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Jatenzo as a Schedule III controlled substance. This is because Jatenzo carries a risk of being misused or causing dependence.
Jatenzo is prescribed to adult men who have low testosterone levels due to specific medical conditions. It’s important to note that Jatenzo is not meant for men who have low testosterone due to aging.
How Supplied
Jatenzo comes in three different strengths:
- 158 mg
- 198 mg
- 237 mg
The medication comes in capsule form, and the capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, split, or chew the capsules.
Generic Availability
As of my last knowledge update, Jatenzo is not yet available as a generic medication. That means you can only get it under the brand name Jatenzo.
What is Jatenzo used for?
Jatenzo is a testosterone replacement therapy approved for adult men whose bodies don’t produce enough testosterone on their own due to certain medical conditions.
It’s important to know that Jatenzo is not for everyone. Specifically:
- Jatenzo is not approved for use in women.
- Men with prostate cancer or breast cancer should not use Jatenzo.
- Jatenzo is also not intended for men with low testosterone levels related to age rather than a specific medical condition (i.e., “Low-T”).
Always discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to determine if Jatenzo is right for you.
Dosage and Administration
As with any medication, it’s important to take Jatenzo exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Adult Dosage
The typical starting dose of Jatenzo is 237 mg twice daily, though other testosterone delivery methods exist, such as testosterone auto-injectors. However, your doctor may adjust this dose based on your individual needs and how your body responds to the medication.
It’s crucial to take Jatenzo with food. Food helps your body absorb the medication properly, ensuring you get the full benefit of the treatment.
Your doctor will regularly monitor your serum testosterone levels to make sure you’re getting the right dose. Dosage adjustments are common and necessary to achieve optimal testosterone levels.
Missed Dose
Life happens, and sometimes you might forget to take a dose. If you miss a dose of Jatenzo, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Don’t double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
Contraindications and Warnings
Like all medications, Jatenzo has specific contraindications and warnings that you and your doctor should carefully consider before starting treatment. It’s crucial to have an open and honest discussion with your healthcare provider about your medical history and any other medications you’re taking.
Contraindications
Jatenzo is not appropriate for everyone. It’s contraindicated, meaning it should not be used, in the following situations:
- Men with prostate cancer
- Men with breast cancer
- Men with conditions that are not related to structural or genetic causes
Boxed Warning: Increased Blood Pressure
Jatenzo carries a boxed warning, the most serious type of warning issued by the FDA. This boxed warning highlights the risk of increased blood pressure, which can significantly increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack. Careful blood pressure monitoring is essential while taking Jatenzo.
Warnings and Precautions
In addition to the boxed warning, Jatenzo has other important warnings and precautions to be aware of:
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: As mentioned above, close monitoring of blood pressure is crucial.
- Inform Your Doctor: It’s vital to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and any existing health conditions you have. This information helps your doctor assess the potential risks and benefits of Jatenzo for you.
- Increased Hematocrit: Jatenzo can increase hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in your blood). Regular monitoring of hematocrit levels is recommended.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Jatenzo should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing cardiac (heart), renal (kidney), or hepatic (liver) disease.
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects
Like all medications, Jatenzo carries the risk of side effects. It’s important to discuss these potential issues with your doctor before starting treatment.
Common Side Effects
Some of the more commonly reported side effects of Jatenzo include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Edema (swelling, usually in the legs or ankles)
Serious Side Effects
While less common, Jatenzo can also cause more serious side effects. These warrant immediate medical attention and should be discussed thoroughly with your physician. These include:
- Reduced fertility and lowered sperm count: Jatenzo can impact reproductive health.
- Liver Problems: Be alert for symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or persistent fatigue.
- Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH): Jatenzo can worsen BPH symptoms.
- High Red Blood Cell Count (Polycythemia): Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor this.
- Gynecomastia: Development of breast tissue in men.
- Sleep Apnea: Worsening of existing sleep apnea or new onset.
- Allergic Reactions: Watch for signs like rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Mood Changes: This includes irritability, anxiety, or aggression.
- Potential for Abuse and Dependence: As with any hormone medication, there is a risk of misuse.
Blood Pressure Increases
Clinical trials have shown that Jatenzo can increase blood pressure. On average, systolic blood pressure (the top number) increased by 4.9 mmHg based on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and 2.8 mmHg based on in-office measurements. This increase may be more pronounced in individuals with a history of hypertension, so careful monitoring is crucial.
Depression and Suicidal Ideation
Testosterone replacement therapy, including Jatenzo, has been linked to worsening or new-onset depression and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts. It is crucial to be vigilant for changes in mood or behavior and to report any concerns to your healthcare provider immediately.
Drug Interactions
Jatenzo can interact with a number of medications, so it’s crucial to tell your doctor about everything you’re taking, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs. It’s also important to disclose all health conditions you have.
Some of the most significant interactions include:
- Insulin: Jatenzo can affect blood sugar control, potentially requiring adjustments to your insulin dosage.
- Warfarin: Jatenzo may interact with oral vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants like warfarin, affecting blood clotting.
- Corticosteroids: Similar to insulin, corticosteroids can also impact blood sugar and may require dosage adjustments when taken with Jatenzo.
- Other Blood Pressure-Raising Medications: Because Jatenzo can sometimes increase blood pressure, taking it with other medications that have the same effect could be problematic.
Always discuss all medications and supplements with your doctor to ensure Jatenzo is safe for you and to manage potential interactions effectively.
Special Considerations
Before starting Jatenzo, there are several important factors to discuss with your doctor.
Jatenzo and Fertility
It’s important to know that Jatenzo might lower sperm count and reduce fertility in men. Animal studies have also pointed to potential risks to a developing fetus and negative impacts on fertility.
Jatenzo and Older People
If you’re an older adult, Jatenzo should be used with caution. Your doctor will carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing it.
Jatenzo and Children
Jatenzo is not approved for use in children. Its safety and effectiveness haven’t been established in pediatric populations.
Abuse and Dependence
Testosterone, including Jatenzo, has the potential for abuse. Be sure to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and discuss any concerns you may have about dependence.
Financial Assistance
The cost of Jatenzo can be a concern for some patients. Fortunately, there are financial assistance programs available, such as the Jatenzo Go program, to help offset the expense.
Keep in mind that your insurance coverage may require prior authorization before Jatenzo is approved. Your doctor’s office can help you navigate this process.
Overdose, Storage, and Disposal
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Jatenzo, seek medical attention right away. An overdose of testosterone can cause serious side effects.
Storage
Store Jatenzo capsules at room temperature, somewhere between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Make sure you store Jatenzo in a secure location where children can’t get to it.
Disposal
When it’s time to dispose of unused or expired Jatenzo, follow the proper disposal methods. Check with your pharmacist about drug take-back programs in your area. If there are no take-back programs near you, follow any specific instructions for disposal that came with your medication. Don’t flush Jatenzo down the toilet.
To conclude
Jatenzo is a testosterone replacement therapy for men with hypogonadism, or low testosterone, which raises the question of whether testosterone increases metabolism. It can help improve symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass, which are factors also related to high testosterone and weight loss. But it also comes with risks, including increased blood pressure and potential cardiovascular problems. Benefits will vary based on the person.
It’s essential to talk to your doctor about whether Jatenzo is right for you. They can assess your individual health situation, weigh the potential benefits against the risks, and determine the appropriate dosage.
If you and your doctor decide that Jatenzo is a good choice, be sure to monitor your blood pressure regularly and report any side effects you experience to your healthcare provider. The right treatment plan is specific to your body and your needs, and your doctor is your best resource for figuring it out.