TLANDO (testosterone undecanoate) is an oral testosterone replacement therapy prescribed to adult men who have hypogonadism due to specific medical conditions. It isn’t for men whose low testosterone is simply due to aging.
If your doctor has prescribed TLANDO, it’s important to understand some of the potential risks. TLANDO may raise your blood pressure, which can increase your risk for heart problems. For this reason, your doctor should assess your cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure before you start taking TLANDO. Throughout your treatment, your doctor will continue to monitor your blood pressure and help you manage it.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at TLANDO’s side effects, warnings, and precautions. The goal is to provide both healthcare professionals and patients with a comprehensive overview of what to expect with TLANDO. You and your doctor should carefully consider the benefits and risks of TLANDO before you start treatment.
Understanding TLANDO: Uses, Dosage, and Administration
TLANDO is a prescription medication used as testosterone replacement therapy in adult men. It’s prescribed for specific conditions where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone (hypogonadism). However, it’s important to note that TLANDO is not for men who have low testosterone simply due to aging.
Approved Uses of TLANDO
- Testosterone replacement therapy for adult males with specific hypogonadal conditions.
Limitations of Use
Again, TLANDO isn’t meant for men experiencing age-related declines in testosterone. Don’t take this medication if you have low testosterone that’s solely caused by getting older.
Dosage and Administration Guidelines
The usual oral dose of TLANDO is 225 mg taken twice daily, always with food. It’s crucial to take TLANDO with food because this helps your body absorb the medication properly.
While taking TLANDO, your doctor will monitor your serum testosterone levels. You’ll continue taking TLANDO as long as your testosterone levels stay between 300 and 1080 ng/dL. If your levels drop below 300 ng/dL or rise above 1080 ng/dL, your doctor will likely tell you to stop taking the medication.
Common Side Effects of TLANDO: An In-Depth Look
Like all medications, TLANDO comes with the potential for side effects. While not everyone experiences them, it’s important to be aware of what to look out for.
Side Effects Observed in Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that help determine how safe and effective a drug is before it’s made available to the public. Here’s what the TLANDO clinical trials revealed about common side effects:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): This was a significant finding in the clinical trials. In Study 18-001, 5.1% of patients experienced hypertension. The same study also showed an average increase in systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 4.3 mmHg and an average increase in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 1.4 mmHg from their baseline measurements. That’s why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly while taking TLANDO.
- Increased Hematocrit: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in your blood. An increase could lead to a condition called polycythemia, where your blood becomes too thick. In Study 18-001, 4.3% of patients had increased hematocrit levels.
- Increased Prolactin: Study 16-002 showed that 6.3% of patients experienced increased blood prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone that can affect various bodily functions.
- Other Side Effects: Less common, but still reported, side effects included upper respiratory tract infections (3.6% in Study 18-001), weight gain, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain.
Less Common, but Important, Side Effects
While less frequent, these side effects require serious consideration:
- Cardiovascular Risks: There’s a potential risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) associated with TLANDO. This is something to discuss thoroughly with your doctor, especially if you have a history of heart problems.
- Worsening of BPH and Potential Prostate Cancer Risk: TLANDO might worsen benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland enlarges. There’s also a potential, though not fully understood, link to prostate cancer risk.
- Venous Thromboembolism: This refers to blood clots that form in veins, which can be dangerous.
- Other Potential Issues: Other side effects that have been observed include edema (swelling), sleep apnea, gynecomastia (enlargement of male breast tissue), changes in lipid (cholesterol) levels, and other aesthetic-related concerns, prompting some to consider options like HA girth enhancement.
Serious Warnings and Precautions Associated with TLANDO
Like all medications, TLANDO comes with a list of potential risks and side effects that you should be aware of before starting treatment. It’s crucial to discuss these concerns with your doctor to determine if TLANDO is the right choice for you.
Cardiovascular Concerns
One of the most significant warnings associated with TLANDO is the potential for increased blood pressure. This medication can cause a substantial rise in blood pressure, which may increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Your doctor should assess your blood pressure before you start taking TLANDO and monitor it regularly throughout your treatment. If you already have high blood pressure (hypertension), it’s especially important to discuss this risk with your doctor.
TLANDO is generally not recommended for men with significant cardiovascular risk factors due to these concerns.
Prostate Health
TLANDO may worsen symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes an enlarged prostate, similar to concerns surrounding medications like finasteride. It’s also important to note a theoretical risk of prostate cancer development or progression with TLANDO. Because of these potential risks, your doctor will likely recommend regular prostate cancer screenings while you’re taking this medication.
Blood-Related Issues
TLANDO can increase the production of red blood cells, leading to a condition called polycythemia. Your doctor will monitor your hematocrit (a measure of red blood cell concentration) to watch for this potential side effect.
There’s also an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins) associated with TLANDO. Report any signs of blood clots, such as pain, swelling, or redness in your legs, to your doctor immediately.
Other Significant Warnings
TLANDO is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, meaning it has the potential for abuse and dependence. It’s crucial to use this medication only as prescribed by your doctor.
TLANDO is not for use in women or children. It’s also important to be aware that TLANDO may have adverse effects on spermatogenesis, potentially impacting fertility.
What medications interact with TLANDO?
It’s important to discuss all medications you’re taking with your doctor before starting TLANDO, as it can interact with several common drugs. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Insulin: TLANDO may affect your blood sugar levels. If you’re diabetic, you’ll need to monitor your glucose carefully and discuss any necessary insulin adjustments with your doctor.
- Oral Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): TLANDO can interact with blood thinners like warfarin. If you’re taking an anticoagulant, your doctor will need to closely monitor your INR (International Normalized Ratio) to ensure proper blood clotting.
- Corticosteroids: TLANDO and corticosteroids together may cause fluid retention.
- Other Drugs That Increase Blood Pressure: Be careful taking TLANDO with other medications that can raise blood pressure. The combination could lead to dangerously high blood pressure.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, so always tell your doctor about everything you’re taking, even over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Abuse, Dependence, and Overdose of TLANDO
Like other testosterone medications, TLANDO carries risks of abuse, dependence, and overdose. Here’s what you should know.
Abuse and Dependence
TLANDO is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This means that while it has legitimate medical uses, it also has a potential for abuse.
People might misuse TLANDO to try to enhance their athletic performance or for other reasons not related to treating a medical condition. This can lead to serious health problems.
It’s also possible to develop a psychological or physical dependence on TLANDO. If you stop taking it suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms.
Doctors need to prescribe TLANDO carefully and monitor patients for any signs of abuse or dependence.
Overdose Information
There isn’t a lot of specific information available about what happens if you overdose on TLANDO. However, it’s important to take any potential overdose seriously.
One case study reported that an acute overdose of injectable testosterone led to a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). While this involved a different form of testosterone, it highlights the potential dangers.
In the event of an overdose, supportive care should be provided, and the person should be monitored closely for any adverse effects.
Who should NOT take TLANDO?
Like all medications, TLANDO isn’t right for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of situations where you should avoid this drug.
Contraindications
Don’t take TLANDO if any of these apply to you:
- You have prostate cancer.
- You have breast cancer.
- You’re allergic to TLANDO or any of its ingredients.
- You’re a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Use in Specific Populations
Let’s take a closer look at how TLANDO might affect certain groups of people:
- Pregnancy: TLANDO is a no-go if you’re pregnant. Animal studies suggest it could harm the developing fetus.
- Lactation: Breastfeeding moms should also steer clear of TLANDO.
- Children: TLANDO is only for adults. It’s not approved for anyone under 18.
- Older Adults: Clinical trials didn’t have enough participants over 65 to say for sure if older adults react differently to TLANDO than younger adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an oral testosterone pill?
Yes, there are oral testosterone medications available. Tlando (testosterone undecanoate) is one such option. It’s important to note that not all oral testosterone formulations are the same, and they can have different effects on the body.
What are the worst side effects of prostate radiation?
While radiation therapy for prostate cancer is generally well-tolerated, some potential side effects can be significant. These may include bowel problems, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and fatigue. The severity of these effects can vary.
What is the difference between Tlando and Jatenzo?
Both Tlando and Jatenzo are oral testosterone undecanoate medications used to treat hypogonadism. A key difference lies in their absorption mechanisms. Tlando is designed to be absorbed with or without food, while Jatenzo requires consumption with food containing fat to ensure proper absorption.
Is oral testosterone hard on the liver?
Historically, some oral testosterone formulations have been associated with liver toxicity. However, newer formulations like Tlando are designed to minimize this risk. Still, your doctor will likely monitor your liver function while you’re taking oral testosterone.
What medications should not be taken with testosterone?
Testosterone can interact with several medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including blood thinners (anticoagulants), insulin, and corticosteroids. Testosterone may alter their effects, requiring dosage adjustments.
Closing Thoughts
TLANDO, while effective for some men, comes with serious potential side effects and warnings. Of particular concern are the cardiovascular risks, including increased blood pressure, and the potential for abuse and dependence.
Because of these risks, it’s crucial that doctors carefully select patients who are good candidates for TLANDO. A thorough health assessment should be done before starting the medication, and ongoing monitoring is essential during treatment.
Patients need to be fully informed about the potential side effects, how TLANDO might interact with other medications they’re taking, and the importance of sticking to the prescribed dosage and schedule for check-ups, as well as the potential implications of treatments like BPC 157 peptide injections. It’s equally important to immediately report any unusual or concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Healthcare providers also have a responsibility to prescribe TLANDO thoughtfully and to keep a close watch for any signs of abuse or dependence. The goal is to help patients while minimizing the potential for harm.