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Compare Axiron vs. Androgel

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Testosterone topical solution (Axiron) and testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) are both used to treat low testosterone in adult males, but they have some key differences. Axiron is applied to the armpits, while testosterone gels are applied to areas like the shoulders, upper arms, stomach, or thighs, depending on the brand. Axiron has a lower risk of accidentally exposing others to testosterone because the armpits are less likely to come into contact with other people compared to the more exposed areas where gels are applied. However, both forms require you to wait a few hours before showering or swimming to ensure proper absorption. Axiron is available in a less expensive, generic form, while some testosterone gels also have generic options. Both medications can cause side effects like skin irritation and have risks such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. It's important to follow the specific application instructions for each medication to avoid accidental exposure to others.

  • Testosterone topical solution
    Testosterone gel
  • Testosterone topical solution
    Testosterone gel

  • Summary of Axiron vs. Androgel

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    Prescription only

    Testosterone topical solution is used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's convenient to use because you only have to apply it once a day. Compared to testosterone gels, it's less likely to rub off on other people you come into contact with because it's applied to your armpits.

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    Prescription only

    Testosterone gel is used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's convenient to use because you only have to apply it to your skin once a day. But compared to other forms of testosterone, there's a higher risk of exposing others to the medication through skin-to-skin contact.

  • Indications of Axiron vs. Androgel

    Indications for
    •Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
    Indications for
    •Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

  • Pros and Cons of Axiron vs. Androgel

    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    Pros
    •Lower risk of accidentally exposing others to testosterone compared to the gel form
    •Applied once a day
    •Available in a less expensive, generic form
    Cons
    •Application can be messy if the medication runs or drips
    •Need to wait 2 hours before you can swim, bathe, or wash the application site
    •Requires regular blood tests
    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    Pros
    •Works well to replace testosterone in your body
    •Applied once a day to your skin, so it's easy to use
    •Available in tubes, packets, or as a pump
    •Some brand names are available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Can cause skin irritation
    •Need to avoid skin-to-skin transfer to other people
    •Need to wait hours before you can shower, swim, or bathe
    •Have to follow specific instructions on where and how it can be applied

  • Common Side Effects of Axiron vs. Androgel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Application site irritation (7%)
    •Application site redness (5%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •High red blood cell count (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Vomiting (3%)
    •Rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA, 1%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Skin rash
    •Itchiness
    •High red blood cell count
    •Enlarged prostate
    •Acne

  • Warnings of Axiron vs. Androgel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Early puberty or development of male features
    •High red blood cell count and heart attack or stroke
    •Blood clots
    •Potential for abuse, dependency, and addiction
    •Worsening symptoms of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer
    •Liver problems
    •Swelling in the legs or arms (edema)
    •Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
    •High calcium in the blood
    Common Side Effects for
    •Early puberty or development of male features
    •High red blood cell count and blood clots
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, and dependency
    •Worsening symptoms of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer
    •Liver problems
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (edema)
    •Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
    •High calcium in the blood

  • Prices with our coupons for Axiron vs. Androgel

    Learn more about Testosterone topical solution
    Learn more about Testosterone gel

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