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Natesto vs. Testosterone

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

Natesto

 

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testosterone gel

 

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Summary for Natesto

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.

Indications for Natesto

Pros and Cons for Natesto

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

Common Side Effects for Natesto

  • 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%)

Warnings for Natesto

  • 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

Summary for Testosterone

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 Testosterone

Pros and Cons for Testosterone

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 Testosterone

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 Testosterone

  • 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 Natesto vs. Testosterone

Price Card Drug Icon
Natesto3 pumps / 11g of 5.5mg per actuation
$165.00$1,022.93
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Price Card Drug Icon
Testosterone1 pump / 88g of 1.62%
$39.70$411.89
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