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Compare AndroGel vs. Depo-Testosterone

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

Key takeaways

Testosterone topical gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) and testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) are both testosterone replacement medications used to treat low testosterone (hypogonadism) in adult males. They belong to the same drug class and work by adding or replacing testosterone in the body. However, they differ in their form and administration. Testosterone gel is applied topically to the skin once a day, while testosterone cypionate is injected into the buttock muscle every 2 to 4 weeks. 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. Testosterone gel is available in various brand names and some generics, whereas testosterone cypionate is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of the gel include skin irritation and acne, while the injection may cause acne, pain at the injection site, and enlargement of male breasts. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like heart attack and stroke, especially if misused.

  • Testosterone gel
    Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone)
  • Testosterone gel
    Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone)

  • Summary of AndroGel vs. Depo-Testosterone

    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

    Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) is an injectable form of testosterone that’s used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's injected into your buttock muscle and lasts for a long time, so it only needs to be used once or twice a month. But it might raise the risk of serious side effects including heart attack and stroke, especially if misused.

  • Indications of AndroGel vs. Depo-Testosterone

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

  • Pros and Cons of AndroGel vs. Depo-Testosterone

    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
    •Only needs to be used once every 2 to 4 weeks
    •Can be injected at home
    •Comes in a vial that can be used for more than one dose, meaning fewer trips to the pharmacy
    •Available in as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Risk of misuse, addiction, and dependency
    •Might raise the risk of serious side effects like heart attack and stroke if misused
    •Needs to be injected into the buttock muscle
    •Only available as an injection

  • Common Side Effects of AndroGel vs. Depo-Testosterone

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

  • Warnings of AndroGel vs. Depo-Testosterone

    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
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, and dependency
    •Heart attack and stroke risk
    •Blood clots
    •Liver problems
    •Use in people with an enlarged prostate
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (edema)
    •High calcium in the blood
    •Use in young children

  • Prices with our coupons for AndroGel vs. Depo-Testosterone

    Learn more about Testosterone gel
    Learn more about Testosterone cypionate

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