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Methyltestosterone vs. AndroGel

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

Key takeaways

Methyltestosterone (Methitest) and testosterone gel (AndroGel) are both used to treat low testosterone in males, but they have some key differences. Methyltestosterone is taken orally, while testosterone gel is applied topically to the skin. Methyltestosterone can also be used to treat breast cancer in females, whereas testosterone gel is only approved for low testosterone in males. Methyltestosterone has a higher risk of causing serious liver damage, while testosterone gel has a higher risk of accidental transfer to others through skin contact. Methyltestosterone and testosterone gel are both available in a generic forms, making them less expensive. Both medications carry risks of misuse, dependency, and serious side effects like heart attack and stroke, but testosterone gel is noted to have a lower risk of heart conditions compared to methyltestosterone.

Methyltestosterone

(Methitest)

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testosterone gel

 

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Summary for Methyltestosterone

Prescription only

Methyltestosterone (Methitest) is a pill form of testosterone used for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in males with low testosterone levels. It's also used to treat females with breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. The medication comes as a tablet or capsule and is typically taken by mouth once a day. Your dosage will depend on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Possible side effects include nausea, acne, and headaches.

Indications for Methyltestosterone

Males

Females

Pros and Cons for Methyltestosterone

Pros

  • Is a pill taken by mouth
  • Restores healthy testosterone levels in men
  • Supports male development during puberty

Cons

  • Risk of liver problems with long-term use
  • Potential for serious heart problems and blood clots
  • Risk of misuse and dependence since it's a controlled substance

Common Side Effects for Methyltestosterone

Males

  • Breast enlargement
  • Acne

Females

  • Deeper voice
  • Acne
  • Missed or irregular menstrual periods
  • Increased facial and body hair

Warnings for Methyltestosterone

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

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

Prices with our coupons for Methyltestosterone vs. AndroGel

Price Card Drug Icon
Methyltestosterone30 capsules / 10mg
$565.62$2,520.09
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Price Card Drug Icon
Testosterone1 pump / 88g of 1.62%
$39.70$410.93
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