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AndroGel vs. Delatestryl

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

Key takeaways

Testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) and testosterone enanthate (Delatestryl) are both used to treat low testosterone in males, but they differ in their forms and administration. Testosterone gel is applied topically to the skin once a day, while testosterone enanthate is given as an intramuscular injection every 2 to 4 weeks. The gel can be convenient but carries a risk of transferring the medication to others through skin contact, which can cause unwanted side effects in children and females. On the other hand, testosterone enanthate is administered by a healthcare professional and has a longer duration of action, but it can cause pain and swelling at the injection site. Testosterone enanthate is also FDA-approved for treating delayed puberty in males and metastatic breast cancer in females, whereas testosterone gel is not. Both medications have generic forms available, making them more affordable options. However, testosterone enanthate contains sesame oil, which may not be suitable for those with sesame allergies.

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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 Delatestryl

Prescription only

Testosterone enanthate is a testosterone replacement therapy. It's mainly used in males to treat low testosterone levels and delayed puberty. It's also FDA-approved in females for treating metastatic breast cancer, but it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Testosterone enanthate is given as a deep injection into the muscle of the buttock, typically every 2 to 4 weeks by a healthcare professional (HCP). Side effects can include acne and pain or swelling at the injection site.

Indications for Delatestryl

Pros and Cons for Delatestryl

Pros

  • Starts to work in 1-3 days to raise testosterone levels
  • Only needs to be used once every 2 to 4 weeks
  • Can be injected at home for some people
  • Available in a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • In females, can cause the development of male features, including deepening of the voice, acne, absence of menstrual periods, and more facial and body hair
  • Needs to be injected into the buttock muscle
  • Only available as an injection
  • Contains sesame oil, so might not be a good option if you have an allergy to sesame

Common Side Effects for Delatestryl

Males

  • Enlargement of male breasts
  • Acne
  • More erections
  • Pain at the injection site

Females

  • Deepening of the voice
  • Acne
  • Absence of or irregular menstrual periods
  • More hair on the face and body
  • Pain at the injection site

Warnings for Delatestryl

  • Risk of blood clots, including heart attack or stroke
  • Prostate problems
  • Potential for misuse, dependency, and addiction
  • Liver problems
  • Low sperm count
  • Swelling in the legs or arms (edema)
  • High calcium levels in the blood
  • Fast bone maturation in children
  • Severe allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for AndroGel vs. Delatestryl

Price Card Drug Icon
Testosterone1 pump / 88g of 1.62%
$39.70$411.35
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Price Card Drug Icon
Testosterone Enanthate1 vial / 5ml of 200mg/ml
$32.44$160.00
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