Methods and apparatus for improved administration of testosterone pharmaceuticals

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for increasing the delivery rate of an androgen transdermal therapeutic system through the skin. An androgen transdermal therapeutic system can be applied to a patient's skin for delivery of the androgen. A temperature modification apparatus which is capable of generating controlled heat is applied approximate to the androgen transdermal therapeutic system. The heating from the temperature modification apparatus raises the temperature of the androgen transdermal therapeutic system and raises the temperature of the patient's skin to achieve an increased rate of delivery of androgen through the skin. The controlled heat can also be used to adjust dosage rates of the androgen transdermal therapeutic system and to mimic natural circadian patterns. The controlled heating may also be used to improve or regulate the release of androgen from injected/implanted extended/controlled release systems.