Our Custom Rx Safety Information

Dehydroepiandrosterone Capsules: 15 mg, 20 mg, 50 mg
Product: DHEA
Strengths: 15 mg, 20 mg, 50 mg
Dosage Form: Capsules
Usual Adult Dosing (reference): Common regimens: 10–50 mg PO once daily. Titrate to clinical effect and labs.
Use lowest effective dose.
Intended Use / Clinical Context
- Used as an adjunct in documented DHEA deficiency and select endocrine conditions per prescriber direction.
- Investigational/off-label uses include adrenal insufficiency support, certain mood or sexual dysfunction cases,
and bone health; evidence quality varies.
- Not a substitute for established therapies; prescribe and monitor per clinician judgment.

Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to DHEA or formulation components.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Known or suspected hormone-sensitive cancers (for example, breast, prostate, endometrial) unless
specialist-directed.
- Active severe hepatic disease or unexplained abnormal liver function tests.

Warnings and Precautions
- Androgenic effects: acne, oily skin, hair loss, hirsutism, voice changes (more likely at higher doses).
- Estrogenic effects due to downstream metabolism: breast tenderness, mood changes, menstrual irregularities.
- Lipids and cardiovascular risk: possible reduction in HDL; monitor in patients with dyslipidemia or CVD risk.
- Liver: rare hepatotoxicity reports; monitor liver enzymes if clinically indicated.
- Psychiatric: may affect mood, irritability, agitation, or sleep.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer risk: monitor PSA and urinary symptoms in males; avoid if
contraindicated.
- Athletic anti-doping: DHEA is prohibited by many sports organizations.

Drug and Lab Interactions
- May interfere with hormone assays (for example, testosterone, estradiol); ensure consistent timing of blood
draws relative to dosing.
- Potential interactions with hormone therapies (testosterone, estrogen/progestin), anti-androgens, and certain antidepressants.
- Corticosteroids: theoretical effects on HPA-axis testing; coordinate with prescriber.
- May affect lipid panels and liver enzymes; monitor as indicated.

Monitoring Recommendations
- Baseline and periodic: DHEA-S, total and free testosterone, estradiol (based on sex and clinical context).
- Liver function tests and fasting lipid panel at baseline and periodically if long-term use.
- Clinical endpoints: mood, energy, sleep, libido, menstrual regularity (if applicable), acne/hirsutism, blood
pressure.
- In males over 40 or with risk factors: PSA and prostate symptom assessment per clinician judgment.

Dosing Guidance (Adults)
- Start with the lowest effective dose; typical range 10–25 mg once daily. Titrate every 2–4 weeks based on labs
and symptoms.
- Common maintenance: 15 mg to 25 mg daily for deficiency; some patients may require 50 mg daily short-term
with close monitoring.
- Consider morning dosing with food to minimize GI upset and align with physiologic diurnal rhythm.
- Elderly or those with adverse effects: consider alternate-day dosing or dose reduction.

Adverse Effects (selected)
- Common: acne, seborrhea, mild GI upset, headache, insomnia, mood changes.
- Less common: edema, hypertension, menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, voice deepening.
- Rare: hepatotoxicity (abnormal LFTs), significant mood disturbance.
Storage and Handling
- Store at controlled room temperature 20–25 °C (68–77 °F).
- Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and light. Keep tightly closed.
- Keep out of reach of children.

Patient Counseling Points
- Take exactly as directed. Do not exceed prescribed dose.
- Report signs of androgenic or estrogenic effects (for example, acne, hair growth, voice changes, breast
tenderness).
- Inform clinicians about all hormones, supplements, and prescription medications you are taking.
- If pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, do not use and contact your prescriber.
- Schedule follow-up labs as directed; take doses consistently relative to lab timing.

Disclaimer: This document is for clinical reference by licensed healthcare professionals. It does not replace
prescriber judgment, patient-specific recommendations, or official labeling of individual drug products.