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Compare Natesto vs. Testosterone

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

  • Natesto
    Testosterone gel
  • Natesto
    Testosterone gel

  • Summary of Natesto vs. Testosterone

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    Prescription only

    Natesto is a prescription testosterone nasal gel that's applied to the inside of the nose. It's a testosterone replacement therapy that's FDA approved to treat adult males with low testosterone levels. You'll have to apply it to each nostril 3 times a day. Common side effects include headache, runny nose, and nosebleeds. The medication only comes as a brand-name medication since no generic version is available.

    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.

  • Indications of Natesto vs. Testosterone

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

  • Pros and Cons of Natesto vs. Testosterone

    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    Pros
    •Absorbed quickly within in your body
    •Compared to testosterone gel, there’s a lower risk of accidentally exposing others to testosterone
    •Doesn't drip out because it's a gel
    •Can be applied within seconds
    Cons
    •Causes nasal side effects like runny nose and nosebleeds
    •Needs to be used 3 times a day
    •Can't be used if you have nasal or sinus problems
    •Only available as a brand-name medication
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Natesto vs. Testosterone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA, 5%)
    •Headache (4%)
    •Runny nose (4%)
    •Nosebleed (4%)
    •Nasal discomfort (4%)
    •Common cold symptoms (4%)
    •Bronchitis (4%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (4%)
    •Swelling of the nasal passages (4%)
    •Nasal scab (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Skin rash
    •Itchiness
    •High red blood cell count
    •Enlarged prostate
    •Acne

  • Warnings of Natesto vs. Testosterone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal side effects
    •Risk of blood clots, including heart attack or stroke
    •Prostate problems
    •Potential for misuse, dependency, and addiction
    •Liver problems
    •Swelling in the legs or arms (edema)
    •Sleep apnea
    •High calcium levels in the blood
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Natesto vs. Testosterone

    Learn more about Natesto
    Learn more about Testosterone gel

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