Key takeaways
Testopel (testosterone) and Aveed (testosterone undecanoate) are both testosterone replacement therapies used to treat low testosterone in males, but they differ in their administration and some risks. Testopel is a pellet implanted under the skin by a healthcare provider every 3 to 6 months, while Aveed is an intramuscular injection given in the buttock muscle by a provider every 10 weeks after the initial doses. Testopel requires a minor surgical procedure to place the pellets under the skin, which can lead to risks like infections and pellet extrusion. In contrast, Aveed is part of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) due to the potential for serious lung problems and severe allergic reactions, requiring you to stay at the provider's office for 30 minutes after each injection. Both medications can lower sperm count and have risks of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Testopel can lower blood sugar levels, requiring more frequent blood sugar checks if you live with diabetes. Whereas, Aveed can cause a high red blood cell count, which requires additional monitoring to make sure count is within the safe range. Neither medication is available in a generic form, which might make them expensive.
