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.
