Cernos is used to replace the body’s natural sex hormone testosterone when not enough is made by the body. Testosterone Undecanoate is the active ingredient in Cernos.

In men testosterone is produced by the testicles. It is necessary for the normal growth, development and function of the male sex organs and for secondary male sex characteristics. It is necessary for the growth of body hair, the development of bones and muscles, and it stimulates the production of red blood cells. It also makes men’s voices deepen. Cernos Capsules containing testosterone are used to replace testosterone in a person who has low or no natural testosterone (a condition known as hypogonadism). Because of problems with the pituitary or testis, the production of testosterone by the body decreases.

Treatment of hypogonadal men with Cernos Capsules results in a clinically significant rise of plasma concentrations of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione, as well as a decrease of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). In males with primary (hypergonadotropic) hypogonadism treatment with Cernos Capsules results in a normalization of gonadotropin levels.

Following oral administration of Cernos Caps (Test Undecanoate), an important part of the active substance Testosterone Undecanoate is coabsorbed with the lipophilic solvent from the intestine into the lymphatic system, thus circumventing the firstpass inactivation by the liver. During absorption Testosterone Undecanoate is partly reduced to dihydrotestosterone undecanoate. From the lymphatic system it is released into the plasma. In plasma and tissues both testosterone undecanoate and dihydrotestosterone undecanoate are hydrolyzed to yield the natural male androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

When taken for more than 4-6 weeks, Cernos Capsules can only slightly increase body mass and protein anabolism. However, for the body to build muscle one also has to eat a diet rich in calories. Most bodybuilders also take a combination of other hormones at the same time. Because testosterone is converted to estrogen in the fatty tissues, there is always the chance of developing gynecomastia and water retention. To prevent this, most bodybuilders add Arimidex or Tamoxifen during the off cycle.

During Cernos Capsules intake, the natural body testosterone release is inhibited by feedback mechanism through inhibition of pituitary LH. At large doses, even spermatogenesis can be impaired. To allow for the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to recover, it is highly recommended that Cernos Capsules be tapered off slowly over a period of a few weeks. Sudden discontinuation of Cernos Capsules can lead to extreme fatigue, weight loss and susceptibility to fractures.

Cernos Capsules must be taken orally with the morning and evening meal. The capsules should be taken with some fluid and swallowed whole without chewing. If an uneven number of capsules are to be taken, the greater dose should be taken in the morning. The dosage of Cernos Capsules should be determined by the physician according to the severity of the symptoms. The initial dose is usually 120-160 mg/day for 2-3 weeks. Subsequent dosage (40-120 mg/day) should be based on the clinical effect obtained in the first weeks of therapy.  In general the dose of Cernos Capsules should be adjusted according to the response of the individual patient.

The acute oral toxicity of Testosterone Undecanoate is very low. High dosages of Cernos Capsules may cause gastrointestinal complaints due to the oily solvent contained in the capsule. Treatment may consist of emptying the stomach and supportive measures.

Side effects: acne, changes in your menstrual periods, male-pattern hair growth (such as on the chin or chest), male pattern baldness, enlarged clitoris; or increase or decrease in sex drive.