Key takeaways
Androxy (fluoxymesterone) and testosterone gel are both used to treat low testosterone levels in males, but they have some key differences. Androxy, an oral androgen, has been discontinued in the United States and is no longer available. It was also used to treat breast cancer in females. On the other hand, testosterone gel is a topical testosterone replacement available under several brand names, including Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, and Vogelxo. Unlike Androxy, testosterone gel is still available and is applied to the skin once a day. However, it carries a risk of transferring the medication to others through skin contact, which can cause unwanted side effects in children and females. Additionally, testosterone gel has a lower risk of serious heart conditions compared to testosterone injections but can still cause side effects like skin irritation and high red blood cell count. Both medications are controlled substances due to their potential for misuse and dependency.
