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AndroGel vs. Delatestryl

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

Key takeaways

Testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) and testosterone enanthate (Delatestryl) are both testosterone replacement therapies used to treat low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) in males. They belong to the same medication class and work by raising testosterone to normal levels. However, they differ in their administration and specific uses. Testosterone gel is applied to the skin once daily, while testosterone enanthate is injected by a healthcare professional into the muscle every 2 to 4 weeks. Testosterone enanthate is also FDA-approved for treating delayed puberty in males and metastatic breast cancer in females, whereas testosterone gel is not. Testosterone gel can accidentially expose others to the medication through skin-to-skin contact, which can cause unwanted side effects in those exposed, while the injection does not have this risk. Common side effects of the gel include skin irritation and acne, while the injection can cause acne, pain at the injection site, and more frequent erections. Both medications can interact with blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding.

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Summary for AndroGel

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.

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.

Indications for AndroGel

Pros and Cons for AndroGel

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

Common Side Effects for AndroGel

AndroGel 1.62%

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%)

Warnings for AndroGel

  • 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

Summary for Delatestryl

Prescription only

Testosterone enanthate is a testosterone replacement therapy. It's mainly used in males to treat low testosterone levels and delayed puberty. It's also FDA-approved in females for treating metastatic breast cancer, but it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Testosterone enanthate is given as a deep injection into the muscle of the buttock, typically every 2 to 4 weeks by a healthcare professional (HCP). Side effects can include acne and pain or swelling at the injection site.

Indications for Delatestryl

Pros and Cons for Delatestryl

Pros

  • Starts to work in 1-3 days to raise testosterone levels
  • Only needs to be used once every 2 to 4 weeks
  • Can be injected at home for some people
  • Available in a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • In females, can cause the development of male features, including deepening of the voice, acne, absence of menstrual periods, and more facial and body hair
  • Needs to be injected into the buttock muscle
  • Only available as an injection
  • Contains sesame oil, so might not be a good option if you have an allergy to sesame

Common Side Effects for Delatestryl

Males

  • Enlargement of male breasts
  • Acne
  • More erections
  • Pain at the injection site

Females

  • Deepening of the voice
  • Acne
  • Absence of or irregular menstrual periods
  • More hair on the face and body
  • Pain at the injection site

Warnings for Delatestryl

  • Risk of blood clots, including heart attack or stroke
  • Prostate problems
  • Potential for misuse, dependency, and addiction
  • Liver problems
  • Low sperm count
  • Swelling in the legs or arms (edema)
  • High calcium levels in the blood
  • Fast bone maturation in children
  • Severe allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for AndroGel vs. Delatestryl

Price Card Drug Icon
Testosterone1 pump / 88g of 1.62%
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Price Card Drug Icon
Testosterone Enanthate1 vial / 5ml of 200mg/ml
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