Compare Androgel vs. Testopel
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
The testosterone implant is a good option for long-term testosterone therapy, but it can be expensive, and it's really important that you get the right dose so your doctor doesn't have to remove pellets.
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.
- Your doctor will give this shot to you every 3 months, so you don't have to worry about administering it yourself like some testosterone injections.
- Unlike topical forms of testosterone, you don't have to worry about accidentally transferring this medication to another person's skin.
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.
- Not available in generic form, so it can be more expensive.
- Your doctor has to calculate your dose for 3 months. If it ends up being too much, the doctor might have to remove some of the implant pellets.
- The pellets can come out, although this is extremely rare.
Used for
- Metastatic breast cancer
- Delayed puberty
- Hypogonadism
- Low testosterone
- Delayed puberty
- Male osteoporosis
- Weight gain
Dosage forms
- Gel
- Implant pellet
Price
Lowest price
$229.30
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Reviews
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Side effects
5possible side effects
- Increased PSA levels11%
- Emotional lability3%
- High blood pressure2%
- Increased hematocrit or hemoglobin2%
- Skin reactions2%
The Testopel (Testosterone Implant) 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
No information currently available