7 mins read

Overview: Methyltestosterone is used to treat low testosterone levels in men caused by certain conditions. It may also be used for delayed puberty in boys or be used as part of breast cancer treatment. Common side effects include headache, depression, enlarged breasts in men, decreased sperm count, prolonged or frequent erections, and masculine features in women. Serious side effects may include blood clots and liver damage.

Uses

What is methyltestosterone used for?

Methyltestosterone is commonly used for the following conditions. 

Methyltestosterone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does methyltestosterone work (mechanism of action)?

Methyltestosterone is a man-made male sex hormone that is similar to testosterone, a hormone made naturally in the body. Depending on why methyltestosterone is used, it may work by helping replace low levels of testosterone, helping to start puberty in boys with delayed puberty, or countering the effects of estrogen in people with breast cancer.

How is methyltestosterone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Methitest

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10 mg oral capsules
  • 10 mg oral tablets

How should I store methyltestosterone?

Methyltestosterone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of methyltestosterone?

The most common side effects of methyltestosterone are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Increased red blood cell levels
  • Depression
  • Enlarged breasts in men (see below)
  • Decreased sperm count (see below)
  • More frequent or prolonged erections (see below)
  • Masculine features and menstrual cycle changes in women (see below)

There may be other side effects of methyltestosterone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of methyltestosterone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of methyltestosterone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Methyltestosterone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking methyltestosterone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using methyltestosterone. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Blood Clots. Methyltestosterone may increase the risk of blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stop taking methyltestosterone and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. 

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes 
  • Double vision

Risk of Misuse. Misusing methyltestosterone can lead to serious side effects, such as heart problems or mental health problems. Misuse means using a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed or using too much. Take methyltestosterone exactly as prescribed. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Chest pain or pressure or trouble breathing
  • Depression
  • Extreme energy and behavior (mania)
  • Having a hard time knowing what is real and what is imagined (delusions)
  • Feeling paranoid or aggressive

Fluid Retention (Edema). Methyltestosterone can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles

Enlarged Breasts. Methyltestosterone may cause enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia) that could be painful. Tell your health care provider if you have this symptom or it is a concern for you.

Slowed Growth in Young Boys. In young boys who have not yet gone through puberty, methyltestosterone may slow down or stop growth, causing them to be shorter than expected as adults. Tell your health care provider if you or your child have concerns about height and growth.

Masculine Features in Women. Methyltestosterone may cause masculine features in women. This may include deepening of the voice, excessive hair growth, acne, an enlarged clitoris, or menstrual cycle changes. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Increased Sexual Stimulation or Painful, Prolonged Erection (Priapism). Methyltestosterone may cause increased sexual stimulation or arousal in men and more frequent or longer-lasting erections. It may also cause an unwanted erection that is persistent, painful, and that may occur without sexual arousal. Permanent damage to the penis may occur if priapism is not treated quickly. Stop taking methyltestosterone and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of priapism. 

  • Erection lasting for more than four hours 
  • Erection that is unrelated to sexual stimulation
  • Painful or tender penis

Decreased Sperm Count. Methyltestosterone may lower your sperm count. Talk with your health care provider if this is a concern for you.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use methyltestosterone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take methyltestosterone.

  • Methitest
  • Methyltestosterone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific methyltestosterone products they stock.

Certain Types of Cancer. Methyltestosterone should not be taken by men who have or might have breast or prostate cancer.

Pregnancy. Do not take methyltestosterone if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

What should I know about methyltestosterone before using it?

Do not take methyltestosterone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share methyltestosterone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep methyltestosterone out of the reach of children. Methyltestosterone is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store methyltestosterone in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

People who are aged 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from methyltestosterone. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood tests and other tests, before starting and while you are taking methyltestosterone. This will help your health care provider make sure it is safe for you to take methyltestosterone.

What should I tell my health care provider before using methyltestosterone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if methyltestosterone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually prescribed methyltestosterone. Methyltestosterone may cause harm to a fetus.

Breastfeeding. People who may breastfeed are not usually prescribed methyltestosterone. It is not known if methyltestosterone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop methyltestosterone.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Methyltestosterone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking methyltestosterone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Interactions

Does methyltestosterone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between methyltestosterone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect methyltestosterone.

Does methyltestosterone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using methyltestosterone.

  • Insulin, which is a medicine used for diabetes
  • A blood thinner, such as warfarin, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with methyltestosterone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much methyltestosterone?

If you or someone else has used too much methyltestosterone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of methyltestosterone?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.