Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Fluoxymesterone vs. Axiron

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

Key takeaways

Androxy (fluoxymesterone) and Axiron (testosterone) are both medications used to treat low testosterone in males, but they have significant differences. Androxy, an oral androgen, has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States. It was also used to treat breast cancer in females. On the other hand, Axiron is a topical testosterone replacement applied to the armpits and is still available in a generic form. Axiron is convenient because it only needs to be applied once a day and has a lower risk of transferring testosterone to others compared to gels. However, it requires careful application to avoid accidental exposure and has several potential side effects, including heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Unlike Androxy, Axiron can also lower sperm count, especially in larger doses, affecting fertility. Both medications are controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and dependence.

  • Androxy (fluoxymesterone)
    Testosterone topical solution
  • Androxy (fluoxymesterone)
    Testosterone topical solution

  • Summary of Fluoxymesterone vs. Axiron

    Summary for Androgen

    Androxy (fluoxymesterone) is a medication used for treating conditions caused by low testosterone in males. It is also used to treat breast cancer in females. Androxy (fluoxymesterone) is no longer available in the United States because it was discontinued.

    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.

  • Indications of Fluoxymesterone vs. Axiron

    Indications for
    Indications for
    •Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

  • Pros and Cons of Fluoxymesterone vs. Axiron

    Pros and Const for Androgen
    Pros
    Cons
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Fluoxymesterone vs. Axiron

    Common Side Effects for
    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%)

  • Warnings of Fluoxymesterone vs. Axiron

    Common Side Effects for
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Fluoxymesterone vs. Axiron

    Learn more about Androxy
    Learn more about Testosterone topical solution

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.