7 Testopel Side Effects You Should Know About
Key takeaways:
Testopel (testosterone) pellets are a form of testosterone replacement therapy. They’re implanted under your skin.
Keep an eye on the implantation site after Testopel has been inserted. Report any unusual pain or swelling to your healthcare provider.
Other Testopel side effects are due to the testosterone itself. More frequent erections, increased sex drive, and acne are possible.
Table of contents
If you’re considering testosterone replacement therapy, you have quite a few choices — topical gels, injections, and an oral pill are among them. But Testopel (testosterone pellets) offers you a unique option. These testosterone-containing pellets are implanted under the skin and last for up to 3 to 6 months.
Testosterone can help ease many symptoms of low testosterone in adult men. And for some, Testopel can be a convenient option. But as with other forms of testosterone, it can also cause unwanted side effects.
If you’re wondering what Testopel side effects are possible, you’re in the right place. Let’s discuss a few that you should know about and how to manage them.
1. Pain and swelling at implantation site
As mentioned, Testopel pellets are implanted under your skin. You should expect pain, redness, and swelling for a couple days after the procedure. Apply ice for 20 to 30 minutes every hour as needed to provide relief. If needed, ask your healthcare provider about taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).
It’s possible for the implantation site to get infected. And sometimes the pellets can work their way out of the skin (called extrusion). If extrusion occurs, it usually happens during the first month after insertion. And it may be more likely to happen if you resume physical activity too early.
So, it’s important to care for the implantation site according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. For example, you may need to avoid getting it wet for a period of time. And you may need to take it easy for a few days, too.
Notify your healthcare provider right away if you experience any bothersome pain or swelling that doesn’t go away or seems to be getting worse. Bleeding, skin hardening, and bruising can also be signs of extrusion or infection.
2. More frequent and prolonged erections
Low testosterone levels can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). That may be a reason why you’re considering Testopel. By replacing testosterone, you may notice improvement in your ED symptoms.
Some men report more frequent or longer-lasting erections with Testopel. That probably sounds like good news. But sometimes prolonged erections can be a problem.
If you experience an erection that’s painful or lasts longer than 4 hours, seek emergency medical attention. This is called priapism. And while rare, it can cause permanent damage to your penis. Don’t delay seeking medical attention, even if you feel uncomfortable doing so.
3. Nausea and vomiting
You may experience nausea or vomiting with any form of testosterone, including Testopel. We don’t know exactly why this happens. But you shouldn’t ignore nausea or wait for it to resolve on its own. It could be related to Testopel or another health condition.
It’s best to report any nausea or vomiting to your healthcare provider. They can determine the cause and if treatment is needed. If you have other symptoms — like severe abdominal pain, weakness, or headache — you may need to go to the emergency department.
4. Acne
Remember going through puberty? Testopel may make you feel like you’re going through it again. Acne is a possible side effect of all forms of testosterone replacement therapy. Why? Testosterone increases the production of skin oil, called sebum. And this oil is responsible for causing acne.
Regularly washing your face and avoiding scrubbing can help control acne. If acne becomes bothersome, discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
5. Changes in body hair
Similar to acne, changes in body hair growth may remind you of adolescence. This effect is from testosterone being broken down to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In adolescents, DHT causes hair growth all over the body, including the face and pubic area.
Testosterone from Testopel is also broken down to DHT, which can still cause some body hair growth in adults. But more commonly, it promotes male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).
If you experience unusual changes in body hair, speak with your healthcare provider. They may make adjustments to your testosterone replacement therapy, or recommend hair loss medications like finasteride (Propecia).
6. Changes in sex drive
Not all medication side effects are negative. Low sex drive is one of the most common reasons men seek out treatment for low testosterone. And your sex drive is often dependent upon testosterone levels. If you have low testosterone levels, Testopel may help improve your sex drive.
7. Cardiovascular risks
Testosterone replacement therapy has also been linked to cardiovascular risks. These include heart attack, stroke, and other types of blood clots. This risk may be higher in certain men than others. Your healthcare provider will consider the benefits and risks of treatment in your specific situation.
Get immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms like chest pain that doesn’t go away, weakness on one side of your body, or shortness of breath. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop swelling, pain, or warmth in one or both of your legs.
When should I contact my healthcare provider about Testopel side effects?
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any Testopel side effects that concern you. Some side effects may need to be further assessed by them. This includes pain and swelling at the implantation site, unusual nausea and vomiting, or swelling or pain in your legs.
Certain side effects warrant immediate medical attention. Examples of these include a painful or prolonged erection and heart attack or stroke symptoms.
Other side effects — like acne or body hair changes — can be more bothersome than serious. Your healthcare provider can give you tips or recommend treatment options for managing them.
The bottom line
Testopel is a form of testosterone replacement therapy that’s implanted under the skin. Your healthcare provider should provide detailed instructions to follow after insertion. Be sure to follow them closely to avoid more serious side effects.
Even though it’s implanted, Testopel can still cause testosterone-related side effects. Improved sex drive and more frequent erections can be positive effects of Testopel. Rarely though, erections can be painful or last longer than 4 hours. If this happens, seek immediate medical treatment.
It’s best to discuss the benefits and risks of testosterone replacement with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand what to expect from treatment, and how to manage potential side effects.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Acne: Tips for managing.
Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2014). Testopel post-insertion tips and considerations.
Corona, G., et al. (2020). Testosterone therapy: What we have learned from trials. Journal of Sexual Medicine.
DailyMed. (2018). Testopel.
Kinter, K. J., et al. (2022). Biochemistry, dihydrotestosterone. StatPearls.
Shoskes, J. J., et al. (2016). Pharmacology of testosterone replacement therapy preparations. Translational Andrology and Urology.
Sizar, O., et al. (2022). Hypogonadism. StatPearls.
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