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Testopel vs. Delatestryl

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

Key takeaways

Testopel (testosterone) and testosterone enanthate (Delatestryl) are both testosterone replacement therapies used to treat low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) and delayed puberty in males. They belong to the same drug class and work by increasing testosterone levels. However, they differ in their administration and additional uses. Testopel is an implantable pellet placed under the skin by a healthcare professional every 3 to 6 months, while testosterone enanthate is an intramuscular injection given by a healthcare professional every 2 to 4 weeks. Testosterone enanthate is also FDA-approved for treating metastatic breast cancer in females, which is not an indication for Testopel. Testopel is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas testosterone enanthate is available in a lower-cost generic form. Common side effects of both medications include acne as well as pain and swelling at the implantation or injection site. Both medications increase the risk of serious side effects like heart attack and liver problems, and they can interact with blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Testopel

(testosterone pellets)

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testosterone enanthate

 

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Summary for Testopel

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 for Testopel

Pros and Cons for Testopel

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 for Testopel

  • Enlargement of male breasts
  • Pain or swelling at the implantation site

Warnings for Testopel

  • 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

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 Testopel vs. Delatestryl

Price Card Drug Icon
Testopel1 box / 10 pellets of 75mg
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Testosterone Enanthate1 vial / 5ml of 200mg/ml
$32.44$160.00
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