Androderm Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Information

Androderm (testosterone patch) is a testosterone replacement product that is known to cause blood clots in the legs. This condition, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can lead to deadly complications like pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs).

Androderm and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

The Prescribing Information for Androderm includes explicit warnings about the risk of blood clots in the legs, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Many other testosterone replacement products are associated with this risk, including Androgel, Testim, and more.

Can Androderm Cause Blood Clots in Legs?

Androderm contains testosterone, a powerful hormone that is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Testosterone has many physiological effects that increase your risk of DVT, including increasing the number of red blood cells, thickening the blood, and elevating blood pressure.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Only about half of cases of DVT actually produce symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include pain, swelling, warmth, and red discoloration of skin on the legs. If the blood clot travels to the lungs, symptoms may also include:

• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Problems breathing (shortness of breath)
• Fainting
• Losing consciousness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Excessive sweating

Treatment

Treatment for DVT is aimed at dissolving the existing clot and preventing new clots from forming. Most patients will be given an oral blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin, and an intravenous (IV) “clot-busting” drug, such as heparin. You may need to be hospitalized and wear compression stockings. In serious cases, surgery or catheter-assisted thrombolysis may be necessary to dissolve the clot.