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Compare AndroGel vs. Testopel

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

Key takeaways

Testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) and Testopel (testosterone) pellets 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 Testopel pellets are implanted under the skin by a healthcare provider every 3 to 6 months. The gel can be more convenient for daily use but carries a higher risk of accidentally exposing others to testosterone through skin contact. In contrast, Testopel pellets eliminate this risk but require a minor surgical procedure in your provider's office to place pellets under the skin. Dose adjustments for Testopel are challenging since they require surgical removal or the addition of pellets, whereas testosterone gel dose adjustments are much easier. Testosterone gel is available in both brand and generic forms, making it potentially more affordable, whereas Testopel is only available as a brand medication. Both treatments can cause side effects like heart attack, stroke, and blood clots, but Testopel also has specific risks, like infections at the implantation site and the pellets coming out of the skin.

  • Testosterone gel
    Testopel (testosterone pellets)
  • Testosterone gel
    Testopel (testosterone pellets)

  • Summary of AndroGel vs. Testopel

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    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. <br> 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.

    Summary for Testosterone replacement
    Prescription only

    Testopel (testosterone pellets) is an implantable pellet medication used as long-acting testosterone replacement therapy. It treats certain males with low testosterone and delayed puberty. The pellets are implanted, or placed under your skin, by a healthcare professional (HCP) typically every 3 to 6 months. Side effects include pain and swelling at the implantation site, as well as sexual side effects like more frequent erections and changes in sex drive.

  • Indications of AndroGel vs. Testopel

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

  • Pros and Cons of AndroGel vs. Testopel

    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    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
    Pros and Const for Testosterone replacement
    Pros
    •A long-acting testosterone replacement medication
    •Implanted every 3 to 6 months
    •Can be used in children and adults
    •Unlike testosterone gel, there’s no risk of accidentally exposing others to testosterone
    Cons
    •Can cause pain and swelling at the implantation site
    •Risk of infections or extrusions at the implantation site
    •Is a surgical procedure that must be done at the prescriber's office
    •Dose adjustments are difficult since they require surgical removal or addition of pellets

  • Common Side Effects of AndroGel vs. Testopel

    Common Side Effects for

    AndroGel 1.62%

    •Rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (11%)

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Enlargement of male breasts
    •Pain or swelling at the implantation site

  • Warnings of AndroGel vs. Testopel

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Infection and extrusion at the implantation site
    •Risk of blood clots, including heart attack or stroke
    •Potential for misuse, dependency, and addiction
    •Prostate problems
    •Liver problems
    •Swelling in the legs or arms (edema)
    •High calcium in the blood
    •Sexual side effects
    •Fast bone maturation in children

  • Prices with our coupons for AndroGel vs. Testopel

    Learn more about Testosterone gel
    Learn more about Testopel

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