Testosterone therapy: Prescribing and monitoring patterns of practice in British Columbia

Abstract

Introduction: Guidelines recommend that testosterone therapy (TTh) be restricted to men with a biochemical diagnosis of hypogonadism, and that therapeutic responses be titrated within the normal range. Methods: Using four provincial longitudinal databases in British Columbia, we identified men prescribed TTh (1997-2013). We characterized the prescribing and monitoring practices of TTh in the context of serum testosterone levels drawn prior to and following initiation of TTh in a population-based setting. Results: In our analysis of 37 741 men who received at least one TTh prescription, 48% received injectable testosterone and the vast majority were treated by general practitioners. The number of prescriptions for men increased annually, particularly after 2008; 40% discontinued their treatment after their first or second prescription, while 27% received more than 10 repeats. The absolute percentage of pre-and post-serum testosterone levels ordered increased by 16% and 31% during the study period, respectively. However, after initiating TTh, only 36% of all the men had a followup serum testosterone level drawn. Of those with low serum testosterone levels prior to TTh, 49% remained biochemically hypogonadal following TTh, suggesting non-compliance or inadequate dosing. Conclusions: Many men prescribed TTh did not continue beyond a short trial. While the practice of checking pre-and post-TTh testosterone levels has improved over the study period, it is concerning that only one-third had a followup serum testosterone level, and half remained biochemically low. Further education is required around TTh prescribing, dose titration, and monitoring to ensure both effective and safe prescribing practice.