Compare Androderm vs. Fortesta

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

Androderm (Testosterone Patch)

Prescription only

Fortesta (Testosterone Gel)

Prescription only

Treats low testosterone.

The testosterone patch is a topical form of hormone replacement that doesn't affect people you come in contact with, but it can cause skin irritation so you have to rotate its position every night.

Treats low testosterone.

This testosterone gel is a convenient topical form of hormone replacement that's less likely to rub off on other people you come into contact with, but it's not available as a generic yet.

Upsides

The testosterone patch doesn't have to be removed when you're having sex or if you're showering or bathing.
The testosterone patch prevents other people around you from coming in contact with testosterone, unlike other topical forms such as gels.
The testosterone patch only has to be placed once each night.

You apply it to your thighs like a lotion.
Putting testosterone gel on your thights makes it less likely you'll transfer the medication to other people around you, compared to some other kinds of topical testosterone.

Downsides

Not available in generic.
You have to be careful to rotate the testosterone patch to a different part of your body each night.
Can cause skin irritation.
Has to be removed before you have an MRI.
The patch can become loose if you do heavy exercise or sweat a lot.

Not available in generic form, so it can be more expensive.
You have to wait at least 2 hours after applying testosterone gel before you can swim or bathe, otherwise your body won't absorb the full amount of the medication.

Used for