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Compare Methyltestosterone vs. Axiron

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

Key takeaways

Methyltestosterone (Methitest) and testosterone topical solution are both medications used for testosterone replacement therapy in males with low testosterone levels. However, they differ in several ways. Methyltestosterone is an oral medication available as a tablet or capsule, while testosterone topical solution is applied to the armpits. Methyltestosterone is also used to treat delayed puberty in males and breast cancer in females, whereas testosterone topical solution is only approved for low testosterone in males. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of methyltestosterone include acne and headaches, while testosterone topical solution most commonly causes application site irritation and headaches. Both medications carry risks of liver damage, heart problems, and blood clots. Because it's applied to the skin, testosterone topical solution may risk transferring the medication to others through skin contact, which is not a concern with methyltestosterone.

  • Methyltestosterone (Methitest)
    Testosterone topical solution
  • Methyltestosterone (Methitest)
    Testosterone topical solution

  • Summary of Methyltestosterone vs. Axiron

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    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.

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    Prescription only

    Testosterone topical solution is used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's convenient to use because you only have to apply it once a day. Compared to testosterone gels, it's less likely to rub off on other people you come into contact with because it's applied to your armpits.

  • Indications of Methyltestosterone vs. Axiron

    Indications for

    Males

    •Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
    •Delayed puberty

    Females

    •Breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
    Indications for
    •Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

  • Pros and Cons of Methyltestosterone vs. Axiron

    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    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
    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    Pros
    •Lower risk of accidentally exposing others to testosterone compared to the gel form
    •Applied once a day
    •Available in a less expensive, generic form
    Cons
    •Application can be messy if the medication runs or drips
    •Need to wait 2 hours before you can swim, bathe, or wash the application site
    •Requires regular blood tests

  • Common Side Effects of Methyltestosterone vs. Axiron

    Common Side Effects for

    Males

    •Breast enlargement
    •Acne

    Females

    •Deeper voice
    •Acne
    •Missed or irregular menstrual periods
    •Increased facial and body hair
    Common Side Effects for
    •Application site irritation (7%)
    •Application site redness (5%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •High red blood cell count (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Vomiting (3%)
    •Rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA, 1%)

  • Warnings of Methyltestosterone vs. Axiron

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Early puberty or development of male features
    •High red blood cell count and heart attack or stroke
    •Blood clots
    •Potential for abuse, dependency, and addiction
    •Worsening symptoms of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer
    •Liver problems
    •Swelling in the legs or arms (edema)
    •Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
    •High calcium in the blood

  • Prices with our coupons for Methyltestosterone vs. Axiron

    Learn more about Methyltestosterone
    Learn more about Testosterone topical solution

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