Improvement in sexual functioning and satisfaction in nonresponders to testosterone gel: clinical effectiveness in hypogonadal, HIV-positive males

Clin Cornerstone. 2005:7 Suppl 4:S26-31. doi: 10.1016/s1098-3597(05)80095-x.

Abstract

Impairment in gonadal function with reduced testosterone (T) levels is commonly associated with HIV infection and patients often complain of diminished libido and sexual dysfunction. The effectiveness of Testim 1% (Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Norristown, Pennsylvania) topical T gel was evaluated in HIV-positive males who failed to experience satisfactory symptom relief following prior treatment with AndroGel 1% (Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Marietta, Georgia). In this open-label study, consecutive subjects were randomly assigned to experimental treatment with Testim 1% (5 g) or to maintenance therapy (control group) with AndroGel 1% (5 g). Twenty-four experimental subjects and 24 control subjects were followed for 4 weeks to evaluate improvements in sexual functioning and satisfaction. Changes from baseline in the 5 domains of the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI) were compared between groups. The average percentage improvement favored the experimental treatment in all 5 comparisons of the BMSFI, including sexual drive (53% vs 18%, P < 0.001), erectile function (49% vs 7%, P < 0.004), ejaculatory function (15% vs 8%, P < 0.14), problem assessment (59% vs 12%, P < 0.003), and sexual satisfaction (58% vs 9%, P < 0.006). A greater percentage of subjects also reported satisfaction with the experimental treatment (85% vs 48%, P < 0.03), and these subjects were less likely to require upward dose titration at the final follow-up visit (30% vs 74%, P = 0.01). It is hypothesized that the results of the current study may be explained, in part, by an improved pharmacokinetic profile of the experimental intervention. Consideration of Testim 1% gel in HIV patients who have an inadequate response to prior T therapy is encouraged, although it is difficult to estimate the contribution of nonspecific study effects (eg, placebo) in this trial.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Androgens / administration & dosage*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Seropositivity / blood
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / complications
  • Hypogonadism / drug therapy*
  • Hypogonadism / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Sexual Behavior / physiology*
  • Testosterone / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Testosterone