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Testosterone Coupon - Testosterone 88g of 1.62% gel pump

testosterone

Generic Androgel
Used for Testosterone Replacement
Used for Testosterone Replacement

Testosterone gel is used to treat low testosterone in adult males. It's convenient to use because you only have to apply it to your skin once a day. But compared to other forms of testosterone, there's a higher risk of exposing others to the medication through skin-to-skin contact.

Last reviewed on February 13, 2023
Testosterone gel is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
basics-icon

What is Testosterone gel?

What is Testosterone gel used for?

  • Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

How Testosterone gel works

Testosterone gel is a testosterone replacement that acts like the natural sex hormone. Testosterone is responsible for the development and maintenance of many male features. Testosterone gel works by adding or replacing testosterone in the body to normal and healthy levels.

Are you looking for information on testosterone topical solution or Natesto (testosterone) nasal gel instead?
When does Testosterone gel start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTestim, AndroGel 1%, AndroGel 1.62%, Fortesta, Vogelxo
Drug ClassTestosterone replacement
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule III
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$364.56(save 88.00%)
GoodRx discount
$43.75
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What are the risks and warnings for Testosterone gel?

Testosterone gel can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

risk-warning

Early puberty or development of male features

  • Risk factors: Unwashed or unclothed application sites

    Testosterone gel can be transferred to other people through skin-to-skin contact with the site where the medication was applied. The risk of transfer is higher when the application site is unwashed or unclothed. Females and children should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites of those using testosterone gel because exposure can cause early symptoms of puberty in children and development of male features in females.

    Children can experience enlargement of the penis or clitoris, development of pubic hair, more erections, higher sex drive, aggressive behavior, or faster bone aging. Females can experience deepening of the voice, acne, absence of menstrual periods, or more facial and body hair. If you're pregnant and expecting a baby girl, coming in contact with testosterone gel can cause your baby to develop male features. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your provider immediately as you might need to stop the medication temporarily until the cause is known.

    Follow all application instructions carefully to prevent any accidental exposure from happening. After applying testosterone gel, wash your hands with soap and water right away. If skin-to-skin contact is expected, be sure to wash the application area thoroughly with soap and water to remove any medication. If another person accidentally touches the unwashed or unclothed area of your skin where the medication was applied, they should wash the area of contact with soap and water as soon as possible.

    risk-warning

    High red blood cell count and blood clots

    Testosterone gel can raise your red blood cell count, which can cause blood clots. Your provider might have you perform regular blood tests to check that your red blood cell count is in the normal range.

    Testosterone gel itself can cause life-threatening blood clots in your legs or lungs. Symptoms of a blood clot in the legs include leg pain, swelling, or redness. Symptoms of a blood clot in the lungs include difficulty breathing or chest pain. Let your provider know if you have any of these symptoms and seek medical help right away as you might have to stop the medication.

    risk-warning

    Heart attack and stroke

    Testosterone gel itself might cause heart attack, stroke, or sudden cardiac (heart-related) death. Get emergency help right away if you have chest pain, cold sweats, left arm pain, difficulty breathing, trouble walking, trouble speaking, or weakness on one side of the body, since you might have to stop taking the medication.

    risk-warning

    Potential for misuse, addiction, and dependency

    • Risk factors: Taking more testosterone gel than prescribed | Taking testosterone gel with other medications containing testosterone

      Testosterone gel is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction. Misuse is when it's taken for medical reasons other than prescribed. Misusing testosterone gel can cause serious problems involving the heart and mental health, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, liver problems, depression, delusions, hallucinations, and aggression.

      Continued misuse of testosterone gel can lead to addiction. Addiction can cause behaviors, such as taking a higher dose than prescribed, spending a lot of time trying to get the medication when there are problems with availability, having trouble stopping the medication even if you want to stop, prioritizing medication use over other responsibilities, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication suddenly.

      And finally, testosterone gel can cause dependency. Dependency is when you rely on the medication to function normally and have withdrawal symptoms (e.g., depression, trouble sleeping, lowered sex drive) when you lower the dose or stop the medication suddenly. Remember to take testosterone gel as prescribed to lower the risk of misuse, addiction, and dependency.

      risk-warning

      Worsening symptoms of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer

      • Risk factors: History of enlarged prostate

        Taking testosterone gel can worsen certain symptoms in people with an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Let your provider know if you experience any changes in your urinary routine, such as more urination at night, feeling like you need to urinate more often or immediately, trouble urinating, accidentally urinating, or urinating slowly.

        Testosterone gel may raise your risk of prostate cancer. Your provider might have you perform occasional blood tests and physical check-ups before and during treatment with testosterone gel. Testosterone gel isn't recommended if you have prostate cancer because it can worsen your cancer.

        risk-warning

        Liver problems

        Using certain forms of testosterone, such as methyltestosterone and testosterone enanthate intramuscular injection, for long periods of time can cause life-threatening liver problems. This isn't a known risk of testosterone gel but it's important to look out for signs and symptoms of liver damage. Let your provider know if you're experiencing stomach pain, light-colored stools, dark urine, or if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow because you might need to stop the medication.

        risk-warning

        Swelling in the arms and legs (edema)

        • Risk factors: History of heart, liver, or kidney conditions | Taking other medications that cause swelling like corticosteroids

          Testosterone gel can cause your body to hold onto more salt and water, which can lead to swelling in your arms and legs and sudden weight gain. This is more likely to happen if you're taking other medications that cause swelling, such as corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol)). It can be more serious in people with heart, liver, or kidney conditions. Talk to your provider if you have any of these symptoms because you might need to stop the medication.

          risk-warning

          Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)

          • *Risk factors: History of sleep apnea | Obesity | History of lung disease *

            Testosterone gel can worsen symptoms in people who have breathing problems in their sleep. This is more likely to happen to people who also have a history of obesity or lung disease. If you experience more daytime sleepiness or if your partner notices that you stop breathing in your sleep more often, talk to your provider.

            risk-warning

            High calcium in the blood

            • Risk factors: History of cancer | Taking other medications that cause high calcium in the blood

              Testosterone gel can cause high calcium in the blood, especially in people with cancer. High calcium levels can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, frequent urination, thirst, stomach pain, and blood in the urine. During treatment with testosterone gel, your provider might have you perform regular blood tests to make sure your calcium levels are within the normal range.

              basics-icon

              What are the side effects of Testosterone gel?

              The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

              Common Side Effects

              • Skin irritation
              • Skin rash
              • Itchiness
              • High red blood cell count
              • Enlarged prostate
              • Acne

              Other Side Effects

              • Headache
              • Enlargement of male breasts
              • Trouble sleeping
              • Abnormal dreams
              • Urinary tract infection
              • More urination
              • Muscle weakness
              • Hair loss
              • Lower sex drive
              • Changes in mood
              • Changes in appetite
              • Depression
              • Nervousness
              • Anxiety
              • Dizziness
              • Nausea
              • Sweating
              • Changes in smell
              • Changes in taste

              Serious Side Effects

              Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
              • Heart attack: chest pain, cold sweats, left arm pain, difficulty breathing
              • Stroke: face drooping, trouble seeing, walking, speaking, weakness on one side of the body
              • Blood clots: legs (pain, swelling, warm to touch, redness), lungs (trouble breathing, chest pain, cough)
              • Withdrawal: depression, fatigue, craving, restlessness, irritability, lack of appetite, trouble sleeping (insomnia), lower sex drive, and low testosterone
              • Liver damage: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, light-colored stools, dark urine, weight loss
              When do Testosterone gel possible side effects begin and end?
              Time passed since treatment started:
              MINUTES
              HOURS
              DAYS
              WEEKS
              MONTHS
              Skin irritation or itchiness
              Acne
              High red blood cell count
              If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

              Source: DailyMed

              The following side effects have also been reported

              Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

              Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

              More common

              Blood in the urine

              difficulty urinating

              frequent urination

              Less common

              Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

              blurred vision

              feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded

              feeling of warmth or heat

              flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck

              frequent strong or increased urge to urinate

              headache

              nervousness

              pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg

              pounding in the ears

              slow or fast heartbeat

              sweating

              swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

              tingling of the hands or feet

              unusual weight gain or loss

              waking to urinate at night

              Incidence not known

              Aggressive behavior

              anxiety

              bluish lips or skin

              chest pain

              cough

              decrease in testicle size

              development of pubic hair

              difficult or labored breathing

              dizziness or lightheadedness

              enlargement of the clitoris or penis

              fainting

              fast heartbeat

              not breathing

              pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg

              painful or prolonged erection of the penis

              tightness in the chest

              troubled breathing

              Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

              More common

              Blemishes on the skin

              burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site

              pimples

              Less common

              Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

              crying

              decreased interest in sexual intercourse

              depression

              discoloration of the hair

              dry skin

              false or unusual sense of well-being

              hair loss

              inability to have or keep an erection

              lack or loss of strength

              loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

              loss of memory

              paranoia

              problems with memory

              quick to react or overreact emotionally

              rapidly changing moods

              thinning of the hair

              Incidence not known

              Increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

              trouble sleeping

              Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

              Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

              pros-and-cons

              Pros and cons of Testosterone gel

              thumbs-up

              Pros

              Works well to replace testosterone in your body

              Applied once a day to your skin, so it's easy to use

              Available in tubes, packets, or as a pump

              Some brand names are available as lower-cost generics

              thumbs-down

              Cons

              Can cause skin irritation

              Need to avoid skin-to-skin transfer to other people

              Need to wait hours before you can shower, swim, or bathe

              Have to follow specific instructions on where and how it can be applied

              pharmacist-tips

              Pharmacist tips for Testosterone gel

              pharmacist
              • Testosterone gel is available as different brand-name and generic medications, each with their own instructions. Before you start to use it, make sure you review the product's specific instructions.

                • Testosterone gel can spread to other people if they contact the area where the medication is applied (skin-to-skin contact). This can cause early symptoms of puberty in children (e.g., enlarged genitals, pubic hair) and development of male features in females (e.g., changes in body hair, acne). To prevent transfer to another person, wear clothes over the application site as soon as it's dry and wash your hands with soap and water right away after you apply the medication.

                  • Testosterone gel shouldn't be used for bodybuilding or improving your athletic ability. Using testosterone gel for these purposes is considered misuse and can cause serious side effects such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, depression, hallucinations, and delusions. This medication is FDA approved for the treatment of low testosterone in males only so take it exactly as prescribed by your provider.

                    • Testosterone gel can cause growth, pain, or tenderness in the breast area. This might continue throughout treatment with testosterone gel. Let your provider know if this becomes bothersome.

                      • Testosterone gel can lower your blood sugar. People with diabetes might need to monitor their blood sugar more often while taking this medication. Make sure you know how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. Talk to your provider if you have diabetes and are experiencing any symptoms of low blood sugar, including shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, and confusion because your provider might need to adjust your medications.

                        • Testosterone gel can lower your sperm count, which might affect your ability to have a baby. This is more likely to happen if you're using higher doses of testosterone gel and there's a chance these effects can be permanent. Let your provider know if you're thinking of having a baby before you start testosterone gel.

                          • Taking testosterone gel together with blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) might cause you to bleed more easily. Your provider might monitor your blood clotting time (INR) more often while taking this medication. Let your provider know if you experience bleeding that takes longer to stop, bruising, blood in your urine, or dark stools because your dose might need to be adjusted.

                            • Testosterone gel is flammable, meaning it can easily catch on fire. Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until the application site has dried to protect yourself and others around you.

                              • Throw away used testosterone gel tubes, packets, or pumps in the trash safely in a way that avoids accidental contact with other people, children, or pets.

                                faqs

                                Frequently asked questions about Testosterone gel

                                What are the differences between the different brand names of testosterone gel?
                                Testim, AndroGel 1%, AndroGel 1.62%, Fortesta, and Vogelxo are brand names for medications that contain testosterone gel. Each brand-name medication comes in different packaging and is applied in a different area. Testim is available in a tube that's applied to your shoulders and/or upper arms. AndroGel 1% is available in a packet that's applied to your shoulders, upper arms, and/or stomach area. AndroGel 1.62% is available in a packet or as a pump that's applied to your shoulders and upper arms. Fortesta is available as a pump that's applied to the thighs. Vogelxo is available in a tube, packet, and as a pump that's applied to the shoulders and/or upper arms. In addition, some brand names are available as generic medications. Make sure you know which one you're using so that you apply it correctly.
                                Can you switch between the different brand names of testosterone gel?
                                No. Testim, AndroGel 1%, AndroGel 1.62%, Fortesta, and Vogelxo are not interchangeable because they have specific amounts of testosterone and are also applied to different areas of the body. For example, while AndroGel 1% can be applied to the stomach area, AndroGel 1.62% can't because the risk of exposure to other people is higher when applied to the stomach area, even when clothing is worn. Exposure to other people can cause early symptoms of puberty in children and development of male features in females. Talk to your provider if you want to switch between brand-name medications.
                                How long do you have to wait to shower after using testosterone gel?
                                If you’re using Testim, AndroGel 1.62%, Fortesta, or Vogelxo, you should avoid swimming, showering, bathing, and washing the application site for at least 2 hours after the medication has been applied. If you’re using AndroGel 1%, wait at least 5 hours after the medication has been applied. Showering too soon after you apply testosterone gel can lower the amount of testosterone that’s absorbed in your body, which can affect how well the medication works.
                                Is testosterone gel safer to use than testosterone injections?
                                In general, using testosterone replacement medications can raise your risk of serious heart conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke. Testosterone medications are available in many different forms. And studies show that testosterone gel has a lower risk of serious heart conditions compared to testosterone injections like testosterone enanthate intramuscular injection or Aveed (testosterone undecanoate). On the other hand, testosterone gel can be harmful to other people if there's accidental skin-to-skin transfer. Females and children are at risk of developing male features if they touch the skin where the medication was applied. Be sure to talk to your provider to make sure the right medication is prescribed for you.
                                Does testosterone gel have a risk of addiction?
                                Yes, especially when misused. Testosterone gel is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse, addiction, and dependency. Misuse is when the medication is taken for reasons other than prescribed. This can lead to serious side effects, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, liver damage, depression, delusions, hallucinations, and aggression. Also, using higher doses of testosterone gel can lead to dependency, which is when you rely on the medication to function normally, and have withdrawal symptoms when you lower the dose or stop the medication suddenly. Remember to use testosterone gel as prescribed by your provider to lower your risk of addiction.
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                                dosage

                                Testosterone gel dosage forms

                                The average cost for 1 pump of 88g of 1.62% of Testosterone gel is $43.75 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 88% off the average retail price of $364.56.
                                bottle of topical solution
                                Bottle of topical solution
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                90ml of 30mg/1.5ml1 bottle$56.57$56.57
                                110ml of 30mg/1.5ml1 bottle$63.03$63.03
                                gel pump
                                Gel pump
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                88g of 1%2 pumps$101.20$50.60
                                88g of 1.62%1 pump$43.75$43.75
                                60g of 10mg per actuation1 pump$148.28$148.28
                                88g of 12.5mg per actuation2 pumps$101.20$50.60
                                packet
                                Packet
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                40.5g of 1.62%30 packets$169.06$5.64
                                5g of 50mg30 packets$99.08$3.30
                                25mg of 1%30 packets$64.60$2.15
                                50mg of 1%30 packets$101.20$3.37
                                20.25mg of 1.62%30 packets$160.98$5.37
                                tube of gel
                                Tube of gel
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                5g of 50mg30 tubes$100.20$3.34

                                Typical dosing for Testosterone gel

                                The typical dose depends on the testosterone levels in your blood.

                                Testim, AndroGel 1%, AndroGel 1.62%, Fortesta, and Vogelxo contain different amounts of testosterone and have different administration instructions, so they are not interchangeable.

                                • Testim: The typical starting dose is 50 mg applied once a day to the shoulders and/or upper arms. If needed, your provider might raise your dose up to the maximum dose of 100 mg once a day.

                                • AndroGel 1%: The typical starting dose is 50 mg applied once a day in the morning to the shoulders, upper arms, and/or stomach area. If needed, your provider might raise your dose up to 100 mg once a day.

                                • AndroGel 1.62%: The typical starting dose is 40.5 mg applied once a day in the morning to the shoulders and upper arms. If needed, your provider might adjust your dose depending on your testosterone levels. The maximum total dose is 81 mg once a day.

                                • Fortesta: The typical starting dose is 40 mg applied once a day to the thighs in the morning. If needed, your provider might adjust your dose depending on your testosterone levels. The maximum total dose is 70 mg once a day.

                                • Vogelxo: The typical starting dose is 50 mg applied once a day to the shoulders and/or upper arms. If needed, your provider might raise your dose up to the maximum dose of 100 mg once a day.

                                interactions

                                Interactions between Testosterone gel and other drugs

                                Testosterone gel may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Testosterone gel. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                • Licorice
                                drug-cost

                                How much does Testosterone gel cost?

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                                contraindications-icon

                                Testosterone gel contraindications

                                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Testosterone gel will not be safe for you to take.
                                • Males with breast cancer or prostate cancer

                                • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

                                alternatives

                                What are alternatives to Testosterone gel?

                                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Testosterone gel. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                Testosterone gel
                                Used for:
                                • Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

                                $43.75 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                Used for:
                                • Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

                                $56.57 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                latest news

                                What is the latest news about Testosterone gel?

                                images

                                Testosterone gel images

                                yellow - Testosterone 1.62% Metered Dose Pump Transdermal Gel
                                This medicine is Yellow Gel Pump.yellow - Testosterone 1.62% Metered Dose Pump Transdermal Gel
                                colorless - Testosterone 1.62% Metered Dose Pump Gel
                                This medicine is Colorless Gel Pump.colorless - Testosterone 1.62% Metered Dose Pump Gel
                                colorless - Testosterone 1.62% Metered Dose Pump Topical Gel
                                This medicine is Colorless Gel Pump.colorless - Testosterone 1.62% Metered Dose Pump Topical Gel

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