Jatenzo (testosterone undecanoate) is a prescription medication designed to replace testosterone in men who don’t produce enough naturally. Doctors prescribe it to treat male hypogonadism, a condition caused by low testosterone.
If your doctor has prescribed Jatenzo, you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect. This article will give you an overview of Jatenzo, including its potential benefits and risks and what to expect before and after starting treatment.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that Jatenzo comes with a boxed warning about the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, and death. It’s important to understand these risks before you start taking Jatenzo.
Understanding Male Hypogonadism and Jatenzo’s Role
What is Male Hypogonadism?
Male hypogonadism is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. You can be born with it (congenital hypogonadism) or acquire it later in life (acquired hypogonadism). There are two main types: primary hypogonadism, where the testicles themselves have a problem, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, where the brain isn’t sending the right signals to the testicles.
Hypogonadism is sometimes associated with conditions like cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), having an orchiectomy (testicle removal), or Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic disorder).
How Jatenzo Works
Jatenzo (testosterone undecanoate) is a prescription medication used to replace testosterone in men who have low levels. It works by providing the body with the testosterone it’s missing. Testosterone undecanoate is a form of testosterone that the body can absorb and use, helping to restore testosterone levels to a more normal range.
Benefits of Jatenzo: What to Expect
Men who take Jatenzo can expect a range of potential benefits. Because it’s a testosterone replacement therapy, it can help restore hormone levels to a more normal range, which can have a positive impact on many aspects of life.
Here are some of the potential improvements you might see:
- Increased energy levels and a better mood
- More muscle mass and greater strength
- Improved bone density
- A boost in libido and sexual function, with treatments like Acoustic Wave Therapy for ED, are some potential improvements.
- Better red blood cell production
It’s also important to note that Jatenzo can affect sperm levels and may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation and potential risks.
Potential Risks and Side Effects: What to Watch Out For
Like any medication, Jatenzo carries the potential for side effects. It’s important to be aware of these so you can discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Common Side Effects
Some of the more commonly reported side effects of Jatenzo include:
- Headache
- Increased hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in your blood)
- Decreased HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol)
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
Serious Risks and Warnings
Jatenzo carries a boxed warning – the most serious warning issued by the FDA – regarding the increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and even death. Men who already have cardiovascular disease or risk factors for it are at a higher risk.
Other potential risks associated with Jatenzo include:
- Increased risk of prostate cancer
- Sleep apnea
- Virilization in females (development of male characteristics)
It is crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your medical history and any concerns you may have before starting Jatenzo. They can help you weigh the potential benefits against the risks and determine if Jatenzo is the right treatment option for you.
Dosage, Administration, and Monitoring
Jatenzo comes in capsule form and is taken orally twice a day. The starting dose is typically 237 mg, and it’s important to take it with food.
While you’re taking Jatenzo, your doctor will need to regularly monitor your blood pressure and hematocrit levels. This is a crucial part of managing the medication and ensuring your safety.
Jatenzo: Interactions and Contraindications
Before starting Jatenzo, it’s critical to discuss all medications you’re currently taking with your doctor. Jatenzo can interact with many other drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
There may also be contraindications, meaning Jatenzo isn’t suitable for everyone. A thorough review of your medical history and current medications is essential to ensure Jatenzo is a safe and appropriate treatment option for you. It’s your responsibility to provide this information to your healthcare provider.
Clinical Experience and Patient Outcomes
Clinical studies offer insights into what you might expect with Jatenzo. In one small study of 50 men, researchers explored their experience with Jatenzo. A larger 4-month study involving 166 men showed that 87% of those treated with Jatenzo achieved normal testosterone levels.
These studies, and others like them, help doctors and patients understand the potential benefits and side effects of Jatenzo in a real-world setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of Jatenzo capsules?
The price of Jatenzo can vary depending on your insurance coverage and pharmacy. It’s always best to check with your insurance provider and local pharmacies for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Keep in mind that prescription drug costs can fluctuate.
What are the benefits of taking Jatenzo?
Jatenzo is prescribed to treat men with hypogonadism, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. Potential benefits include improved energy levels, increased muscle mass, improved mood, enhanced libido, and better bone density. However, individual results can vary.
How do you know if your T levels are low?
Symptoms of low testosterone can include fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and mood changes. The only way to know for sure is to have your testosterone levels checked by a healthcare professional through a blood test.
What is the safest oral testosterone?
Jatenzo (testosterone undecanoate) is often considered a safer oral testosterone option compared to older formulations because it’s absorbed through the lymphatic system, potentially reducing the risk of liver toxicity. However, all testosterone replacement therapies carry potential risks and benefits that should be discussed with your doctor.
Is Jatenzo toxic to the liver?
Jatenzo is absorbed through the lymphatic system, bypassing the liver to a greater extent than older oral testosterone medications. This may reduce the risk of liver toxicity compared to those older medications, but it’s still important to have regular liver function tests while taking Jatenzo to monitor for any potential issues.
To Conclude
Jatenzo is an oral medication that can help men with hypogonadism increase their testosterone levels. Some may find improvements in energy, mood, and sexual function. However, like any medication, it comes with potential risks, including increased blood pressure.
The most important thing is to talk with your doctor to decide if Jatenzo is right for you. Be sure to tell them about any other health conditions you have and all the medications you’re taking.
If you and your doctor decide to move forward with Jatenzo, be an active part of your treatment. Keep an eye on your health and report any side effects you experience. Remember, other treatments for hypogonadism are available, so you have options, including Enclomiphene Citrate.