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Medrol vs. AndroGel

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is a steroid medication used to treat different medical conditions with an overactive immune system. It's typically available by prescription as tablets. And it sometimes comes in a dose pack, which helps you organize the tablets into specific days and times. If you use methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long time, it might cause certain side effects, such as weight gain, skin thinning, and high blood sugar.

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is used for many different medical conditions, including:

• Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
• Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
• Lupus
• Skin conditions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Allergic reactions
• Eye inflammation
• Lung problems
• Conditions related to blood cells
• Cancer of blood cells (e.g., leukemia)
• Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
• Multiple sclerosis

• Swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Increased appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain
• Dizziness

• New or worsened infection
• Mood and behavior changes
• Reduced adrenal gland function
• Changes in heart and kidney function
• Stomach problems
• Bone problems with long-term use
• Eye problems with long-term use
• High blood sugar

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.

• Low testosterone (also called hypogonadism)

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%)

• 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