Men's Health Drugs

Question 1

Androgens

Answer 1

Produced by the testes and adrenal cortex primarily

Most noted for their ability to promote expression of male sex characteristics

Question 2

Therapeutic Uses of Androgens

Answer 2

Male hypogonadism, replacement therapy, delayed puberty, replacement therapy in menopausal women, anemias

Question 3

Androgen (Anabolic Steroid) Abuse

Answer 3

Risks include hypertension, suppression of release of LH and FSH, testicular shrinkage, sterility, gynecomastia, acne, reduction in HDL, increase in LDL

Psychologically imbalanced

Question 4

Finasteride (Propicia)

Answer 4

Androgen Inhibitor

Treats male pattern baldness by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase and preventing the thinning of hair caused by increased levels of DHT

Question 5

Bicalutamide (Casodex)

Answer 5

Androgen Receptor Blocker

Used in the treatment of prostate cancer

Block the activity of androgen hormones at target tissue (prostate) receptors

Question 6

Leuprolide (Lupron)

Answer 6

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog

Inhibits the secretion of pituitary gonadotropin, which lead to a decreased testosterone production

Used to treat prostate cancer

Question 7

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Answer 7

Oral drug for treatment of erectile dysfunction

Causes relaxation of the smooth muscle in the corpora cavernosa (erectile tubes) of the penis and permits the inflow of blood

Question 8

Adverse Effects of Men’s Health Drugs

Answer 8

ED drugs: If taken with nitrates/if patient has underlying CV disease, it can lower BP substantially

Androgens/Anabolic Steroids: hepatic neoplasms, hepatitis, jaundice

Question 9

Interactions

Answer 9

When used with oral anticoagulants, can significantly increase or decrease anticoagulant activity

With cyclosporine, increases risk of cyclosporine toxicity

Question 10

Nursing Implications

Answer 10

Assess renal and liver function

Transdermal patches should go on normal sites, not on scrotum

Pregnant women should not touch crushed or broken hormone drugs