Short answer: Yes. Every US testosterone label says androgens can make the body hold on to salt and water, and that swelling (edema), with or without heart failure, can be a serious complication in people who already have heart, kidney or liver disease. In a 1-year Xyosted study, swelling of the legs or feet was reported by 2.7% of men. Swelling in only one leg, especially if red or warm, can be a sign of a blood clot.
The warning is nearly word for word across Xyosted, Aveed, AndroGel 1.62% and Kyzatrex: androgens may promote retention of sodium and water, and edema with or without congestive heart failure may be a serious complication in patients with pre-existing cardiac, renal or hepatic disease. The Xyosted and Aveed labels add that, besides stopping the drug, a diuretic (water pill) may be needed.
The testosterone enanthate label adds that if treatment is restarted after edema, a lower dose should be used. It also says ACTH and corticosteroids (steroid medicines such as prednisone) increase the tendency toward edema when taken with testosterone. The Depo-Testosterone label lists retention of sodium, chloride, water, potassium, calcium and phosphate among androgen effects.
| Product | Study or source | Swelling |
|---|---|---|
| Xyosted (enanthate, weekly under the skin) | 1-year study, 150 men | Leg or foot swelling in 4 men (2.7%) |
| Kyzatrex (oral undecanoate) | 12-month open-label study, 212 men | Leg or foot swelling listed, no rate |
| Aveed (undecanoate injection) | Reports after approval | Leg or foot swelling listed; weight increase in 1.3% in the 84-week trial |
| AndroGel 1.62% (gel) | Reports after approval | Edema listed, no rate |
| Depo-Testosterone, enanthate vial | No trial table | Fluid and salt retention listed, no rate |
None of the labels say how soon swelling tends to start or whether it is linked to dose.
The labels single out people who already have heart, kidney or liver disease, because extra fluid can push them into heart failure. The Kyzatrex patient information lists swelling of your ankles, feet or body, with or without heart failure, among serious side effects, and its prescriber section says to advise patients to tell their provider if swelling develops or worsens.
MedlinePlus lists testosterone among medicines that can cause foot, leg and ankle swelling, alongside estrogen, some antidepressants, calcium channel blocker blood pressure pills, NSAID pain relievers and steroids. It also lists long flights or car rides, standing for long periods, being overweight and vein problems as common causes. It says never to stop a medicine you think is causing swelling without first talking to your provider.
MedlinePlus says to call 911 for swelling with shortness of breath or chest pain, especially chest pressure or tightness. It says to contact your provider right away if:
Noting which body part swells, whether it is worse at the end of the day, your weight on the same scale each morning, and your dose dates gives your prescriber a clear picture. Dose Track keeps those notes and your weight next to each dose.
Read more on Dose Track: GLP-1s, testosterone and blood pressure · Low testosterone and TRT · Xyosted side effects · Kyzatrex side effects · Aveed side effects