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AndroGel vs. Aveed

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

Key takeaways

Testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) and Aveed (testosterone undecanoate) are both used to treat low testosterone in adult males, but they have some key differences. Testosterone gel is applied topically to the skin once a day, while Aveed is an intramuscular injection given by a healthcare provider every 10 weeks after the initial doses. Testosterone gel has a higher risk of accidental exposure to others through skin contact, which can cause unwanted side effects in children and females, whereas Aveed does not have this risk. However, Aveed requires enrollment in a REMS program due to the potential for serious lung problems and severe allergic reactions, and you must stay at the provider's office for 30 minutes after each injection. Testosterone gel is available in generic forms, making it potentially more affordable, while Aveed is only available as a brand medication. Both medications can cause side effects like heart attack, stroke, and high red blood cell count, but Aveed also has specific risks related to its injection method.

testosterone gel

 

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Aveed

(testosterone undecanoate)

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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

Summary for Aveed

Prescription only

Aveed (testosterone undecanoate) is an injectable testosterone that’s used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's an FDA-approved testosterone replacement therapy that must be injected by a healthcare professional due to possible allergic reactions and a serious warning called pulmonary oil microembolism (POME), which causes symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Initially, you'll receive the first two injections a month apart, then an injection every 10 weeks after that. Common side effects include acne, pain at the injection site, and fatigue.

Indications for Aveed

Pros and Cons for Aveed

Pros

  • Works well to replace testosterone in your body
  • Can be given every 10 weeks (after the first 2 injections)
  • No accidental testosterone exposure to another person through skin-to-skin contact like testosterone gels

Cons

  • Only available through a REMS program because of life-threatening side effects
  • Must be injected by your prescriber, so it can't be given at home
  • Only available as a brand-name medication

Common Side Effects for Aveed

  • Acne (5%)
  • Injection site pain (5%)
  • Rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA, 5%)
  • Rise in estrogen levels (3%)
  • Tiredness (2%)
  • Irritability (2%)
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia, 2%)
  • Mood swings (2%)

Warnings for Aveed

  • Pulmonary oil microembolism (POME) and severe allergic reactions
  • Prostate problems
  • Risk of blood clots, including heart attack or stroke
  • Potential for misuse, dependency, and addiction
  • Liver problems
  • Swelling in the legs or arms (edema)
  • Sleep apnea
  • High calcium in the blood

Prices with our coupons for AndroGel vs. Aveed

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Testosterone1 pump / 88g of 1.62%
$39.70$410.93
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Aveed1 vial / 3ml of 750mg/3ml
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