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Compare 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
    aveed (testosterone undecanoate)
  • Testosterone gel
    aveed (testosterone undecanoate)

  • Summary of Androgel vs. Aveed

    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.

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    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 of Androgel vs. Aveed

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

  • Pros and Cons of Androgel vs. Aveed

    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
    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    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 of Androgel vs. Aveed

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Skin rash
    •Itchiness
    •High red blood cell count
    •Enlarged prostate
    •Acne
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 of Androgel vs. Aveed

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

    Learn more about Testosterone gel
    Learn more about aveed

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