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Compare AndroGel vs. Aveed

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

Key takeaways

Testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) and Aveed (testosterone undecanoate) are both testosterone replacement therapies used to treat low testosterone in adult males. They belong to the same drug class and are FDA-approved for hypogonadism. However, they have some important differences. Testosterone gel is applied topically once a day, while Aveed is an intramuscular injection given by a healthcare professional every 10 weeks after the initial doses. Testosterone gel can accidentially expose others to the medication through skin-to-skin contact, which can cause unwanted side effects in those exposed. Aveed, on the other hand, requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) and must be injected by a healthcare professional due to risks of pulmonary oil microembolism (POME) and severe allergic reactions. Common side effects of testosterone gel include skin irritation, rash, and acne, while Aveed may cause acne, injection site pain, and fatigue. Both medications can interact with blood thinners like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Testosterone gel is available in generic forms, whereas Aveed is only available as a brand-name medication.

  • Testosterone gel
    aveed (testosterone undecanoate)
  • Testosterone gel
    aveed (testosterone undecanoate)

  • Summary of AndroGel vs. Aveed

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    Prescription only

    Testosterone gel is a prescription topical medication used to treat men with low testosterone. It helps raise testosterone levels when your body doesn't make enough naturally. You typically apply it once a day to your skin. Depending on the product, the gel comes in packets, pumps, or tubes. Some side effects include skin irritation, mood changes, and headache. <br> Note: This medication is available under several brand names, including AndroGel, Testim, and Vogelxo as well as in generic versions. Each might have different strengths, application sites, and instructions.

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    Prescription only

    Aveed (testosterone undecanoate) is an injectable testosterone that’s used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's an FDA-approved testosterone replacement therapy that must be injected by a healthcare professional due to possible allergic reactions and a serious warning called pulmonary oil microembolism (POME), which causes symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Initially, you'll receive the first two injections a month apart, then an injection every 10 weeks after that. Common side effects include acne, pain at the injection site, and fatigue.

  • Indications of AndroGel vs. Aveed

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

  • Pros and Cons of AndroGel vs. Aveed

    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    Pros
    •Works well to raise testosterone levels
    •Applied once a day to your skin
    •Available in tubes, packets, or as a pump
    Cons
    •Can cause skin irritation
    •Must avoid skin-to-skin transfer to other people
    •Need to wait hours before you can shower, swim, or bathe
    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    Pros
    •Works well to replace testosterone in your body
    •Can be given every 10 weeks (after the first 2 injections)
    •No accidental testosterone exposure to another person through skin-to-skin contact like testosterone gels
    Cons
    •Only available through a REMS program because of life-threatening side effects
    •Must be injected by your prescriber, so it can't be given at home
    •Only available as a brand-name medication

  • Common Side Effects of AndroGel vs. Aveed

    Common Side Effects for

    AndroGel 1.62%

    •Rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (11%)

    AndroGel 1%

    •Acne (1-8%)
    •Abnormal lab tests (3-6%)
    •Skin irritation (3-5%)
    •Prostate problems (3-5%)

    Testim

    •Skin irritation (2-4%)
    •Rise in red blood cell count (1-2%)

    Vogelxo

    •Skin irritation (2-4%)
    •Rise in red blood cell count (1-2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Acne (5%)
    •Injection site pain (5%)
    •Rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA, 5%)
    •Rise in estrogen levels (3%)
    •Tiredness (2%)
    •Irritability (2%)
    •Trouble sleeping (insomnia, 2%)
    •Mood swings (2%)

  • Warnings of AndroGel vs. Aveed

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of testosterone gel spreading to others
    •Higher red blood cell count
    •Blood clots
    •Worsening of enlarged prostate and risk of prostate cancer
    •Higher blood pressure
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, and dependency
    •Lower sperm count
    •Liver problems
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (edema)
    •Enlarged breasts
    •Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
    •Changes in cholesterol levels
    •High calcium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pulmonary oil microembolism (POME) and severe allergic reactions
    •Prostate problems
    •Risk of blood clots, including heart attack or stroke
    •Potential for misuse, dependency, and addiction
    •Liver problems
    •Swelling in the legs or arms (edema)
    •Sleep apnea
    •High calcium in the blood

  • Prices with our coupons for AndroGel vs. Aveed

    Learn more about Testosterone gel
    Learn more about aveed

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