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Carefully read the following instructions for how to use STRIANT below, and if possible, review them with your health care provider. Apply STRIANT to the proper spot on the upper gum twice a day— once in the morning and once in the evening (about 12 hours apart). You may find it convenient to apply the morning dose after brushing your teeth following breakfast, and the evening dose following your evening meal. It is recommended that STRIANT be placed on alternate sides of the mouth with each application.
STRIANT is simple to use and can be applied quickly and discreetly almost anywhere. It may take a little time to get used to applying and wearing STRIANT, but after a brief
period of adjustment, most do not even notice it’s there. The adjustment is much like
how the eyes get used to contact lenses. After starting treatment with STRIANT, you
may benefit from the relief of many of your symptoms of hypogonadism (low
testosterone) without mess or inconvenience.
Apply STRIANT twice a day, once in the morning and once at night (about 12 hours
apart). You may find it convenient to apply the morning dose after brushing your
teeth (following breakfast) and the evening dose after your evening meal. STRIANT
should be applied as follows:
| Push one STRIANT out of the back of the blister pack. You will notice that STRIANT is a tablet-like product that is curved on one side and flat on the other side. The flat side has a marking on it (company logo) (see Pictures 1 and 2). |
Picture 1
Picture 2
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Before you apply STRIANT, locate the area on your upper gum just above either the left or
right incisor tooth (see Picture 3). The incisor is the tooth just to the right or left of your two
front teeth. |
Picture 3
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You may want to dry off excess saliva or remove food in the gum area before applying STRIANT. This is because food may keep STRIANT from sticking properly to the gum.
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Make sure your fingertip is completely dry before applying STRIANT. Place the flat side of STRIANT on your fingertip with the curved side facing up. With your other hand, lift your upper lip. Gently push the curved side against your upper gum in the area shown. Push STRIANT up as high as it will go on the gum. If you have applied STRIANT correctly, the flat side will be facing the cheek.
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You may find that it helps to press two fingers for 30 seconds on the outside of the lip just under the spot where STRIANT is in your mouth (see Picture 4). This ensures that STRIANT adheres properly and it
keeps STRIANT from slipping down. (It’s all right if STRIANT moves slightly from side to side on your gum while you are applying pressure.) |
Picture 4
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If STRIANT sticks to your cheek and not your gum, this is acceptable. Do notreplace the buccal system if this happens.
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After applying STRIANT, it is important not to move it with your tongue. If you move it immediately after applying, you may dislodge the product and it may be difficult to reapply.
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As STRIANT absorbs moisture from your mouth, it will begin to soften and mold to the shape of your gum. The shape of STRIANT changes, becoming more narrow and longer across the gum. As it softens on your gum, it is important not to push continuously on it over the outside of your lip. Doing so will cause STRIANT to flatten and move out of place (closer to your tooth). Also, keep in mind that STRIANT does not dissolve completely, but will remain in place for 12 hours. Any remaining residue must be removed before you apply the next dose.
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To remove STRIANT, gently slide it to the front or back of your mouth to loosen it. Once it is loose, slide it downward from your gum to your tooth. This will avoid scratching your gum.
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Men who have breast cancer, prostate cancer, or who are allergic to testosterone that comes from soy or any ingredients contained in the products should not take STRIANT.
Women must not use STRIANT. Inform your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms appear while using STRIANT:
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Liver problems: Tell your doctor if your skin or white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), if your urine turns dark, if your bowel movements (stool) turn light in color, if you don’t feel like eating for several days or longer, if you feel sick to your stomach (nausea), if you have lower abdominal pain (stomach).
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Problems urinating. Tell your doctor if you develop problems urinating while using STRIANT. Older patients who use testosterone replacement therapies may have an increased chance of developing prostate enlargement or prostate cancer.
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Extra fluid in the body (edema). Edema can be dangerous if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems. Tell your doctor if your ankles and legs swell or if you put on weight quickly. |
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Breathing problems, including a sleep problem called “sleep apnea.” Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for short times while you are sleeping. Tell your doctor if you have breathing problems or if you or your partner notice changes in your breathing when you are sleeping.
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Penile erections that are painful, that occur too frequently, or that last for too long a duration.
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Breast enlargement—which sometimes does not go away.
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Emotional changes—such as depression.
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STRIANT may also cause redness, irritation, swelling, pain at the gum application site, headache, and change in how food tastes to you, a bitter taste in your mouth, or an unusual taste in your mouth. It may cause gum infection (gingivitis). Gum side effects are usually temporary, and should resolve within several days. However, some gum side effects may last up to 2 weeks. If you should have gum side effects, they usually resolve while taking STRIANT.
With each application, you should rotate STRIANT to alternate sides of your mouth. You should regularly examine your gums where STRIANT is applied. Any abnormal finding should be brought to the attention of your physician.
Click here for an animation of how to use the STRIANT system.
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