The Medicines Control Council (MCC) says testosterone containing medicines are being used illegally and inappropriately in South Africa - and that there is a serious danger to using them for impotence or for bulking up muscle. There is a risk of heart attacks and strokes associated with the use of these medicines."The MCC would like to alert the public not to obtain medicines containing testosterone from illegal suppliers or without a written doctor’s prescription‚ due to the risk and harm associated with their unsupervised use‚" said Dr JC Gouws‚ Registrar of Medicines."Medical practitioners are reminded to prescribe testosterone containing medicines only for the approved indications of testosterone replacement therapy and osteoporosis in men with testosterone deficiency."These products are not indicated for enhancing muscular development in healthy individuals‚ impotence or for increasing physical ability‚ he warned.The MCC recommended special precautions to be taken by healthcare workers‚ in order to minimise the risks associated with the use of testosterone containing medicines:Testosterone plasma levels should be monitored at baseline and at regular intervals during treatment. The dosage should be individually adjusted to ensure the maintenance of appropriate testosterone plasma levels.The Medicines Control Council (MCC) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in South Africa by ensuring that they meet standards of efficacy‚ safety and quality...