Cernos Gel (testosterone) is used in adult men to treat hypogonadism, or low testosterone. Also known by its brand name AndroGel, this topically-applied gel is widely used around the world.

Cernos Gel is not meant to supplement testosterone that naturally declines due to age, though some men do use it for that purpose. It is ideally used when testosterone levels drop dramatically, due to injury, surgery, other medications, or severe, prolonged stress. Cernos Gel may also be prescribed to help young men experiencing delayed puberty, but this should be attempted only with the involvement of a doctor.

Product Description

Each pack of Cernos Gel contains a number of individual sachets; typically 30, 60, 90, or so forth. Each sachet contains a quantity of gel; in most cases, 5 grams. Each 5 grams of gel contains 50 mg of testosterone.

Each day, ideally in the morning, men should administer the gel to the clean, dry skin of the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. 50 mg testosterone (one sachet) to 100 mg testosterone (two sachets) are both standard doses; rarely a man may be instructed to use more or less.

Some difference should be noticed within two weeks of starting treatment, significant improvements should be noticeable after one month. Patients should attend regular doctor checkups, where testosterone levels and adverse reactions can be monitored for.

While this product is very similar to AndroGel 1%, it is distinct from other testosterone gels, including AndroGel 1.62%. Always read the leaflet included with each testosterone product to ensure dosage strength and application methods are handled correctly.

Instructions & Tips for Application

Topical applications like Cernos Gel are widely preferred among men who need to supplement testosterone; injections are probably the second-most popular method, though many men are averse to daily injections and it can be difficult to administer an injection without another person to help.

Gels are convenient and easy to use, but there are some tips to keep in mind to ensure treatment is trouble-free:

• Cernos Gel is flammable; extinguish cigarettes and open flames prior to application and until the gel is dried.
• Unless instructed otherwise by a doctor or pharmacist, the gel should be applied once per day.
• Cernos Gel should be applied to the clean, dry skin on the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen.
• Do not apply to other areas or to broken or infected skin; painful skin irritation may result, particularly around mucus membranes or the sensitive skin around genitals.
• Give the gel two to five minutes to dry before covering with clothing.
• Wait at least two---ideally five---hours before swimming, showering, or bathing to give the gel time to absorb fully.
• Wash hands and dispose of used sachets carefully to prevent others from contacting the medication.
• Keep treated areas covered with clothing and avoid skin-to-skin contact with others. Treated areas should be washed thoroughly with soap and water prior to skin-to-skin contact.

While it may be tempting to administer more than the prescribed dose, men are strongly advised to avoid doing so---too much testosterone can be as harmful as too little. It will take a few weeks to see significant results, but they will develop and will be maintained with daily applications of Cernos Gel.

Symptoms Treated

As most men know, testosterone is responsible for the development and maintenance of all male characteristics, as well as being vital for the physical and mental health of a man. Testosterone also contributes to bone health, mood stability, fat distribution and other elements that may not be obvious.

Men suffering from a dramatic decline in testosterone will likely experience:

• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Depression, anger, mood disorders
• Loss of body hair
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Increase in fat, particularly in the abdomen
• Decrease in muscle and strength
• Decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass
• Reduced cognitive ability

Again, testosterone does decline to some extent naturally with age. This natural, slow decline is normal and, in most cases, perfectly healthy---men should not attempt to boost age-related low testosterone unless its decline is abnormally severe. A simple blood test at a doctor's office can check testosterone levels.

When testosterone levels are abnormally low, Cernos Gel can help slow, stop, and reverse the above symptoms. In most cases the above are reversible, assuming that low testosterone is a significant cause.

Adverse Effects

Like all testosterone supplements, Cernos Gel can cause further enlargement of an enlarged prostate; patients who have an existing enlarged prostate will want to discuss risks with a doctor before starting treatment.

Likewise, men will want to discuss potential risks and warning signs with a doctor before taking Cernos Gel if there is a history of:

• Prostate or breast cancer
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Liver or kidney impairment
• Heart failure
• Heart attack or stroke
• Blood clots
• Other cardiovascular issues

Whether or not testosterone increases risk of breast or prostate cancer, as well as cardiovascular issues, in men who aren't already predisposed to these issues is rather controversial. While there are certainly some studies suggesting the medication does increase risk, other studies find no significant difference between testosterone and placebo, while still others find men supplementing testosterone are at less risk.

The causes behind the different findings are not clear. Men who attend regular doctor visits will also be monitored for developing side effects, which can often be resolved if caught early.