Dihydrotestosterone (Andractim) 2.5% gel for topical application

Dihydrotestosterone – often shortened to DHT – is a medicine form of the hormone testosterone.

It is used as a specialist treatment for children with hormone deficiencies. 

Your child’s specialist will explain why this medicine has been prescribed and how long it should be used for.

This leaflet explains about dihydrotestosterone 2.5%, which is sold under the brand name Andractim®. It comes as a gel, which is applied to the skin (‘topical application’). 

Andractim® may be supplied as an imported medicine. This can mean the packaging and manufacturer information may look different from other medicines you have used before. Please speak with your pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Put on disposable gloves.
3. Measure the dose exactly as shown on the dispensing label.
4. Apply a thin, even layer to the required area.
5. Leave the gel to dry for about five minutes before putting on clothes or a nappy.
6. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if you used gloves.

• Do not apply the gel to broken, sore or irritated skin.
• Dihydrotestosterone 2.5% gel is for external use only. 
• Do not reduce or change the dose unless a health care professional tells you to.

The gel – and therefore a small amount the hormone – can transfer from person to person via skin contact.

Therefore:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water after applying the gel.
• If someone else touches the treated area, wash their skin with soap and water as soon as possible.
• Keep the treated area covered with clothing or a nappy where possible.
• If the main carer is pregnant, trying to conceive or breast-feeding, please discuss safe handling with your child’s clinical team or hospital pharmacist.

People who are allergic to dihydrotestosterone or the ingredients in the gel. Ingredients include carbomer 934, triethanolamine and alcohol. 

If your child has very sensitive skin, eczema or frequent skin irritation, tell your pharmacist or clinical team, as the gel may irritate some skin types.

Many children have no side effects when the gel is used exactly as prescribed. Side effects are more likely if the dose is higher than needed or if the gel is used for longer than planned. Your clinical team will review the dose and duration.

Possible side effects can include:

• Skin irritation where the gel is applied
• Mood swings or irritability
• Excessive energy or signs of being hyperactive
• Weight gain
• Extra hair growth
• Hoarseness of voice
• Oily skin
• Acne. 

Contact your child’s clinical team if: 

• Your child has any new side effects or you are concerned by the side effects.
• You notice new symptoms that you’re worried about.
• You think that the gel may have transferred repeatedly to another child.

Because the gel is applied to the skin, it is less likely to interact with other medicines than tablets or injections.

However, other creams or ointments used on the same area of skin can affect irritation and how the gel is absorbed. Please tell your pharmacist or clinical team about any other creams, ointments or skin treatments your child uses.

• As this is a specialist treatment, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) or your local hospital will supply this medicine.
• Keep medicines in a safe place where children cannot reach them.
• Keep the gel at room temperature, away from bright light or direct sunlight and away from heat. Do not store in the fridge.
• If the doctor decides that your child should stop using dihydrotestosterone, return any remaining gel to your pharmacist. Do not throw away.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your child’s doctor, nurse or pharmacist via the GOSH switchboard or the MyGOSH app. 

GOSH switchboard: 020 7405 9200

You can also contact the Medicines Information Team, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

GOSH Medicines Information: 020 7829 8608 or through the Medications page on the MyGOSH app.