FDA Warns Of Risk To Children When An Adult Uses Testosterone Gel

The Food and Drug Administration has required the manufacturers of two testosterone gel products to place its strongest warning label to reduce the chances that children will have secondary exposure to the products.

The gels AndroGel 1% and Testim 1% are designed to help men who do not produce enough testosterone. It is a gel that is applied to the body of the man on either the abdomen, shoulders, and arms. However, the FDA has discovered that there is a risk of secondary exposure to children if men apply the gel and then hold or carry children without wearing a shirt. People are also urged to wash their hands after using the product.

The consequences of secondary exposure to the testosterone gels have included either enlarged genitalia that in some cases, has not receded to an age appropriate size, as well as instances of more aggressive behavior in children.