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Testosterone vs. Viagra

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

Key takeaways

Testosterone gel (Testim, AndroGel, Fortesta, Vogelxo) and sildenafil (Viagra) are both prescription medications, but they have different uses. Testosterone gel is a testosterone replacement used to treat low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) in adult males, while sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Testosterone gel is applied topically once a day, whereas sildenafil is taken orally as needed, typically about an hour before sexual activity. Testosterone gel is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and addiction. Sildenafil is not a controlled substance. Common side effects of testosterone gel include skin irritation and acne, while sildenafil can cause headaches and flushing. Additionally, testosterone gel can interact with blood thinners like warfarin, whereas sildenafil should not be taken with nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, or nitroglycerin.

testosterone gel

 

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Sildenafil

(Viagra)

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Summary for Testosterone

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 Testosterone

Pros and Cons for Testosterone

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 Testosterone

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 Testosterone

  • 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 Viagra

Prescription only

Sildenafil (Viagra) is a tablet that's taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction (ED) in adults. It works as a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor to help people get an erection or keep an erection that lasts for sex. You only take a dosage when you need it (usually about an hour, or anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, before sex). Take sildenafil (Viagra) no more than once a day. Otherwise, it can put you at risk of serious side effects, such as vision loss or low blood pressure. Other more common side effects include headache and flushing. Sildenafil (Viagra) is a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Viagra

Pros and Cons for Viagra

Pros

  • A first-choice medication for ED
  • Taken only when you need it
  • Can take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity
  • Comes in different strengths, so you and your prescriber can find which works best for you

Cons

Common Side Effects for Viagra

  • Headache (16-28%)
  • Flushing (10-19%)
  • Indigestion (3-17%)
  • Changes in vision (e.g., color tinge, blurry vision, light sensitivity; 1-11%)
  • Stuffy nose (4-9%)

Warnings for Viagra

  • Risk of heart problems in people with heart disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
  • Vision changes
  • Hearing loss
  • Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Testosterone vs. Viagra

Price Card Drug Icon
Testosterone1 pump / 88g of 1.62%
$39.70$411.35
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Viagra10 tablets / 100mg
$251.30$973.29
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