Xyosted (testosterone enanthate) is a brand-name injectable drug that’s prescribed for testosterone deficiency in some adults. As with other drugs, Xyosted can cause side effects, such as headache, back pain, or acne.

Xyosted can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Xyosted in clinical trials:

  • headache
  • back pain
  • acne
  • cough
  • edema (fluid buildup)*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Xyosted use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Xyosted’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Xyosted include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Xyosted and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Xyosted. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Xyosted may cause serious side effects, but they aren’t common. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Xyosted’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Xyosted, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • Blood clots. Symptoms can include:
    • pain and swelling in your leg or arm
    • shortness of breath
    • chest pain that may get worse with deep breathing
  • Depression and thoughts of suicide. Symptoms can include:
    • loss of interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
    • changes in appetite
    • difficulty concentrating
    • thoughts of death or suicide
  • Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
  • Increased risk of prostate cancer.
  • Decreased sperm count with high doses.
  • Lipid disorders (increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides).
  • Polycythemia (high level of red blood cells), which may increase the risk of blood clots.
  • Boxed warning: Risk of blood pressure increases.*
  • Severe allergic reaction.†

* Xyosted has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Xyosted. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Xyosted may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Can Xyosted cause weight gain or weight loss?

No, there were no reports of weight changes, such as weight gain or weight loss, in studies of Xyosted.

However, Xyosted can sometimes cause edema (fluid retention in your hands, arms, ankles, or legs). This buildup of fluid can cause an increase in your weight, which may be sudden.

If you have concerns about weight changes while using Xyosted, check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How do side effects of Xyosted compare with those seen with Depo-Testosterone?

Xyosted and Depo-Testosterone are both injectable drugs used to treat low testosterone. The side effects of Xyosted and Depo-Testosterone are similar. They both can cause side effects such as:

  • acne
  • edema
  • increase in red blood cell levels
  • painful or enlarged breast tissue
  • mood changes

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how side effects of Xyosted and Depo-Testosterone compare.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Xyosted may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Xyosted.

Risk of blood pressure increases

Xyosted has a boxed warning about the risk of increased blood pressure. This was a common side effect reported in clinical studies of Xyosted. High blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems, such as a heart attack or stroke. Your risk of serious heart problems is higher if you have heart disease or have risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, or smoking.

High blood pressure doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. Severe high blood pressure may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision.

Symptoms of a serious heart problem, such as heart attack or stroke, may include:

  • shortness of breath
  • pressure or pain in your chest
  • dizziness
  • trouble speaking
  • weakness or numbness on one side of the body

Due to this risk, your doctor will likely not prescribe Xyosted for you if you have existing heart problems or risk factors for heart problems.

What you can do

Your doctor will check your blood pressure before starting treatment with Xyosted. If it’s too high, they may prescribe a medication to lower it.

Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure during treatment with Xyosted. They may also recommend that you check it at home. If your blood pressure increases while using Xyosted, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower it. If you are already on medication for your blood pressure, they may need to adjust the dose. In some cases, your doctor may recommend temporarily or permanently stopping Xyosted.

Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about the risks of high blood pressure while using Xyosted. If you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, get medical attention immediately. Call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the closest emergency room.

Edema

Taking Xyosted can sometimes cause edema (fluid buildup in the body) that leads to swelling or puffiness in the arms or legs. This was a common side effect reported in clinical studies of the drug. You may be at a higher risk of this side effect if you take other medicines that can also cause edema.

If you have heart, kidney, or liver problems, edema could cause worsening of these conditions.

What you can do

Tell your doctor if you notice any unexplained swelling or puffiness in your arms or legs, or you have sudden weight gain. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic medication to help eliminate the excess fluid. In some cases, your doctor may recommend stopping the treatment with Xyosted.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Xyosted can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Xyosted. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Below is important information about precautions to consider before you start treatment with Xyosted.

Boxed warning: Blood pressure increases

This drug has a boxed warning for the risk of blood pressure increases. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Xyosted. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): If you have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate, using Xyosted could worsen your condition. Talk with your doctor if you have an enlarged prostate before starting treatment with Xyosted. They can help determine if Xyosted is right for you.

Heart failure: Using Xyosted can cause edema (fluid buildup that causes swelling in your hands, arms, legs, or ankles). If you have heart failure, edema could worsen your condition. Talk with your doctor about using Xyosted if you have heart failure. They can determine if Xyosted is a safe treatment option for you.

Sleep apnea: Xyosted can worsen symptoms of sleep apnea. You may be at higher risk if you have obesity or lung disease. Talk with your doctor if you have a history of sleep apnea. They can tell you whether Xyosted is a good treatment option for you.

Liver or kidney problems: Tell your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. Xyosted can cause fluid buildup, which could worsen your condition. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with Xyosted with you.

Prostate or breast cancer: If you have prostate or breast cancer, treatment with Xyosted could worsen your condition. Due to this risk, your doctor likely will not prescribe Xyosted if you have prostate or breast cancer.

Mental health conditions, such as depression: Treatment with Xyosted can cause or worsen mood changes, such as depression or anxiety. If you have a mental health condition, including thoughts of suicide, talk with your doctor about whether Xyosted is safe for you.

Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Xyosted or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Xyosted. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Xyosted can cause fetal harm and is not safe to take if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor can let you know about other treatment options for your condition.

Alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol, Xyosted is likely safe for you. However, you should talk with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe to drink during treatment with Xyosted.

Like most medications, Xyosted can cause side effects. Some side effects may be severe and require treatment. Talk with your doctor if you develop side effects that are bothersome or serious.

If you’d like to learn more about Xyosted, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Xyosted: For details about other aspects of Xyosted, refer to this article.
  • Dosage: For information about the dosage of Xyosted, view this article.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.