Compare Androgel vs. Depo-Testosterone

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

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Treats low testosterone.

Androgel (testosterone) is a convenient topical form of testosterone hormone replacement for males, but you should be careful that the gel doesn't rub off on others.

Treats low testosterone.

This testosterone injection only has to be given once or twice a month and you can do it at home, but someone has to help you inject.

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3.0/ 5 average rating with 100 reviewsforDepo-Testosterone
Upsides
  • Androgel (testosterone) is an effective medication for treating low testosterone levels.
  • You put it on like a lotion, so it's very easy to apply.
  • It is available as a cheaper, generic form.
  • Androgel (testosterone) does not need to be dose adjusted if you have liver or kidney problems.
  • A first-choice treatment for low testosterone in men and delayed puberty in boys.
  • Available in generic.
  • Only has to be given once every 2 to 4 weeks.
  • The shot can be done at home.
Downsides
  • You have to make sure that you cover the area where you place Androgel (testosterone) after it's dry, otherwise it can rub off on people.
  • You have to wait at least 2 hours before you shower or swim after putting on Androgel (testosterone), otherwise your body won't absorb the entire amount.
  • Only available as a shot.
  • Has to be given by someone else since it has to be injected into your buttocks.
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Used for
  • Metastatic breast cancer
  • Delayed puberty
  • Hypogonadism
  • Low testosterone
  • Gender identity disorder (female-to-male transsexual)
Dosage forms
  • Gel
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$235.64
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Lowest price
$22.72
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
100 reviews so far
49%
saidit'sworth it
32%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Depo-Testosterone (Testosterone Cypionate Injection)?

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Side effects
5possible side effects
  • Increased PSA levels
    11%
  • Emotional lability
    3%
  • High blood pressure
    2%
  • Increased hematocrit or hemoglobin
    2%
  • Skin reactions
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Depo-Testosterone (Testosterone Cypionate Injection) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Exposing others to Androgel (testosterone)
  • Blood clots
  • Swelling in the legs
    • Heart disease
    • Liver disease
    • Kidney disease
  • Elevated red blood cell count
  • High calcium in the blood
    • History of cancer
  • Flammability
    • Smoking
    • Exposure to fire or flames
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Breast tissue changes
    • Male
  • Changes in sex drive
    • Male
  • Inability to urinate
    • Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy)
  • Changes in sperm
    • Taking high doses of Depo-Testosterone (Testosterone Cypionate Injection)
  • Swelling in the legs
    • Heart, liver or kidney disease
  • High calcium in the blood
    • Inability to move
    • Cancer
  • Liver disease
  • Changes in mood
  • Changes in blood sugar
    • Diabetes
  • Changes in blood thinning
    • On blood thinners
  • Blood clots
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Androgel (testosterone)
Learn more about Depo-Testosterone (Testosterone Cypionate Injection)