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Introduction About CERNOS GEL
CERNOS GEL contains Testosterone which belongs to the group of medicines called Androgens. It is used in adult men to replace testosterone in male hypogonadism (various health problems caused by a deficiency of testosterone). Male hypogonadism is characterized by symptoms like impotence, infertility, decreased sex drive, tiredness, depressive moods and bone loss due to low hormone levels.
CERNOS GEL is not recommended for use if you have known or suspected prostate or breast cancer. Consult your doctor before using it.
CERNOS GEL should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure, chronic lung diseases, severe liver, kidney or heart disease, diabetes, urinary problems due to enlarged prostate. Consult your doctor before using it.
CERNOS GEL is intended for use by men only. It is not indicated for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before using it.
CERNOS GEL is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) and it should be used with caution in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before using it.
The most common side effects of using CERNOS GEL are burning or prickling sensation, dryness, rash, redness or itchiness at the site of application. Contact your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.
Uses Of CERNOS GEL
- To replace testosterone in male hypogonadism in adult men
How CERNOS GEL Works
CERNOS GEL works by replacing testosterone in adult male patients with hypogonadism (various health problems caused by a lack of testosterone, a natural male hormone). Thus, helps to improve clinical symptoms such as impotence, infertility, low sex drive, tiredness, depressive moods, bone loss caused by low hormone levels.
How to use CERNOS GEL
Always apply CERNOS GEL as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Apply to clean, dry, intact skin of the shoulders and/or upper arms. Application should be limited to the area that will be covered by your short sleeve T-shirt. Cover the application sites with clothing (Ex. a t-shirt) after the medicine has dried.
Wash your hands properly with soap and water after application. Do not apply this medicine to the genitals. Avoid showering or washing the administration site for a minimum of 2 hours after application.
Side Effects Of CERNOS GEL
Common
- burning or prickling sensation, dryness, rash, redness or itchiness at the site of application
- swelling of hands or feet
- headache
- high blood pressure
- prostate changes
- increased body hair growth
- increase in breast size
Rare
Stop receiving CERNOS GEL and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs and symptoms of the enlarged prostate gland or prostate cancer include increased urination at night, trouble starting your urine stream, having to pass urine many times during the day or urge to go to the bathroom right away and being unable to pass urine or weak urine flow
- signs and symptoms of a blood clot in your legs or lungs can include leg pain, swelling or redness, difficulty breathing or chest pain
- swelling of your ankles, feet or body, with or without heart failure
- enlarged or painful breasts
- signs and symptoms of heart attack or stroke
- trouble breathing while you sleep (sleep apnoea)
How To Manage Side Effects
Headache:
Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or ORS (Oral Rehydrating Solution) and apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if necessary. Contact your doctor if the headache did not improve.
Itchy skin:
Avoid hot baths because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going outside. Use unscented moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. Contact your doctor if the itching worsens.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
CERNOS GEL is intended for use by men only. It is not indicated for use in pregnant women and may cause harm or abnormalities in the unborn baby. Consult your doctor before receiving it.

Breastfeeding
CERNOS GEL is not indicated for use in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before using it.

Driving and Using Machines
CERNOS GEL does not affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

Kidney
CERNOS GEL should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease as this medicine may cause water retention in the body. Consult your doctor before using it.

Liver
CERNOS GEL should be used with caution in patients with severe liver diseases as this medicine may cause water retention in the body. Consult your doctor before using it.

Allergy
Do not use CERNOS GEL if you are allergic to Testosterone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Lungs
CERNOS GEL should be used with caution in patients with chronic lung diseases as it may worsen sleep apnea (temporary cessation of breathing during sleep). Consult your doctor before using it.

Heart Disease
CERNOS GEL should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure, severe heart disease as this medicine may cause water retention in the body accompanied by heart failure. Consult your doctor before using it.
Others
CERNOS GEL is not recommended for use if you:
- have known or suspected prostate or breast cancer
Before receiving CERNOS GEL, inform your doctor if you:
- have urinary problems due to enlarged prostate
- have swollen hands and feet
- are overweight
- have diabetes
- have epilepsy or fits
- have migraine
- have bone cancer
- have high levels of blood calcium
- have or have ever had blood clotting problems
- have or had blood clotting problems like abnormal blood coagulation that increases the risk of blood clots in blood vessels
- have a risk of developing blood clots (smoking, obesity, cancer, immobility, family history of a blood clot in the leg, lung or other organs at a young or older age)
Use in pediatrics:
CERNOS GEL is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) as safety and efficacy have not been established. Consult your doctor before using it.
Use in geriatrics:
CERNOS GEL should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 65 years) due to the increased risk of enlargement of the prostate gland or prostate cancer. Consult your doctor before using it.
Interactions
A. Drug - Drug interactions:
Before using CERNOS GEL, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- anticoagulants (medicines used to thin the blood) Ex. warfarin, acenocoumarol
- insulin (medicines used to manage diabetes)
- corticosteroids (medicines used to manage rheumatism, arthritis, allergic conditions and asthma) Ex. hydrocortisone, dexamethasone
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of CERNOS GEL, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Testosterone |
Pharmacological Category | : | Androgen |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Male hypogonadism |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule, Injection, Gel, Spray |
More Information
- Keep CERNOS GEL out of reach of children
- Store below 25°C
FAQs About CERNOS GEL
Does CERNOS GEL cause breathing difficulty?
Yes, CERNOS GEL may cause breathing difficulty during sleep (sleep apnea), especially in patients with risk factors such as obesity or chronic lung diseases. Contact your doctor if you experience any difficulty in breathing during sleep.
What if a child accidentally gets exposed to the area where CERNOS GEL is applied?
Children should avoid contact with the unwashed or uncovered areas where CERNOS GEL is applied. This may cause signs and symptoms of early puberty in young children, like enlarged penis or clitoris, early pubic hair growth, erections or extreme sexual urges, aggression or behave in an angry or violent way. Wash the exposed area well with soap and water and then consult your doctor.
Can I go for a swim after applying CERNOS GEL?
You should not go for showering, swimming or bathing for at least 2 hours after CERNOS GEL application. If you have any more doubts regarding the use of this medicine, ask your doctor.
Can I change the dose of CERNOS GEL?
Do not change the dose of CERNOS GEL without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will do it depending on your condition. If you have any more doubts regarding the use of this medicine, ask your doctor.
What if a woman accidentally gets exposed to the area where CERNOS GEL is applied?
Women should avoid contact with the unwashed or uncovered areas where CERNOS GEL is applied. This may cause changes in body hair or an abnormal increase in pimples. Wash the exposed area well with soap and water and then consult your doctor.
Can CERNOS GEL affect fertility?
Management with high doses of CERNOS GEL may affect fertility by reducing sperm production. So reduced fertility is observed in some men taking testosterone replacement therapy. Consult your doctor before using it.
Can I have any erection problems while using CERNOS GEL?
CERNOS GEL can cause side effects like more erections than what’s usual for you or erections that last a long time. Consult your doctor if you experience these or any other erection problems.
When is the best time to apply CERNOS GEL?
Always use CERNOS GEL as directed by your physician. Apply for the medicine once daily at approximately the same time each day. It should be applied preferably after showering or bathing.
Does CERNOS GEL cause edema?
Yes, CERNOS GEL may cause edema or swelling of the body, arms and legs by promoting the retention of sodium and water. Hence, CERNOS GEL should be used with caution in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal or hepatic disease due to the increased risk of edema accompanied by heart failure. If the edema occurs discontinue the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Androgens and Drugs for Erectile Dysfunction. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 299.
2. Lakshman KM, Basaria S. Safety and efficacy of testosterone gel in the treatment of male hypogonadism. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed Central. November 2009. [Accessed on 29th June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2785864/
3. Leichtnam ML, Rolland H, Wüthrich P, Guy RH. Formulation and evaluation of a testosterone transdermal spray. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed.gov. August 2006. [Accessed on 29th June 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16795012/
4. PHARBIL Waltrop GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in December 2019] [Accessed on 29th June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.332.pdf
5. AbbVie Inc. Testosterone. [Revised in May 2019]. [Accessed on 29th June 2022] https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/androgel_PI.pdf
6. Testosterone gel, spray. DailyMed: National Library of Medicine: National Institute of Health. [Revised in April 2020]. [Accessed on 29th June 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=2dd150f6-cdfd-4d51-8888-12b288f26262&type=display
7. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Testosterone. [Accessed on 29th June 2022] https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs
8. Drugbank. Testosterone. [Accessed on 29th June 2022] https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00624
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Blood testosterone level
- Digital rectal examination (DRE)
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
- Complete blood count
- Liver function tests