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Compare Androgel vs. Marinol

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

Key takeaways

Testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) and dronabinol (Marinol) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Testosterone gel is a testosterone replacement used to treat low testosterone levels in adult males. It is applied topically once a day and can cause skin irritation. Additionally, there is a high risk of accidental transfer to others through skin contact, which can cause unwanted side effects in children and women. Dronabinol, on the other hand, is a synthetic form of THC, an ingredient in marijuana, and is used to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and to stimulate appetite in people with AIDS. It is taken orally and can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach pain. Both medications have the potential for misuse and dependence. Testosterone gel is available under various brand names and as a lower-cost generic, while dronabinol is available as a lower-cost generic capsule.

  • Testosterone gel
    Dronabinol (Marinol)
  • Testosterone gel
    Dronabinol (Marinol)

  • Summary of Androgel vs. Marinol

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    Prescription only

    Testosterone gel is used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's convenient to use because you only have to apply it to your skin once a day. But compared to other forms of testosterone, there's a higher risk of exposing others to the medication through skin-to-skin contact.

    Summary for Cannabinoid
    Prescription only

    Dronabinol (also known by its brand name, Marinol) is a medication used to treat nausea and vomiting from anticancer medications. It's also approved as an appetite stimulant for people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Dronabinol (Marinol) is available as a lower-cost, generic capsule. It's a controlled substance because it carries a warning for the risk of abuse and misuse. Some side effects of dronabinol (Marinol) include dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Androgel vs. Marinol

    Indications for
    •Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
    Indications for
    •Anorexia and weight loss in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
    •Nausea and vomiting from anticancer medications in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Androgel vs. Marinol

    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    Pros
    •Works well to replace testosterone in your body
    •Applied once a day to your skin, so it's easy to use
    •Available in tubes, packets, or as a pump
    •Some brand names are available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Can cause skin irritation
    •Need to avoid skin-to-skin transfer to other people
    •Need to wait hours before you can shower, swim, or bathe
    •Have to follow specific instructions on where and how it can be applied
    Pros and Const for Cannabinoid
    Pros
    •Works well to improve appetite and help with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic
    •Dosage can be adjusted by your provider, if needed
    Cons
    •Has a risk for addiction, misuse, and dependence
    •Needs to be stored in the refrigerator
    •Can affect your ability to think clearly

  • Common Side Effects of Androgel vs. Marinol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Skin rash
    •Itchiness
    •High red blood cell count
    •Enlarged prostate
    •Acne
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (3-10%)
    •Euphoria (3-10%)
    •Paranoia (intense anxiety or fearful thoughts; 3-10%)
    •Sleepiness (3-10%)
    •Abnormal thinking (3-10%)
    •Stomach pain (3-10%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (3-10%)

  • Warnings of Androgel vs. Marinol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Early puberty or development of male features
    •High red blood cell count and blood clots
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, and dependency
    •Worsening symptoms of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer
    •Liver problems
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (edema)
    •Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
    •High calcium in the blood
    Common Side Effects for
    •Mental health side effects
    •Seizures
    •Heart and blood pressure changes
    •Risk of misuse
    •Worsening nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

  • Prices with our coupons for Androgel vs. Marinol

    Learn more about Testosterone gel
    Learn more about Dronabinol

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