Compare Fortesta vs. Testopel

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

Fortesta (testosterone)

Prescription only

Testopel (Testosterone Implant)

Prescription only

Treats low testosterone.

Fortesta (testosterone) is a convenient topical form of testosterone hormone replacement, but it can be spread to another person if skin-to-skin contact occurs.

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

Fortesta (testosterone) is an effective and convenient form of testosterone.
It is easily used. You apply it to your thighs like a lotion.
Putting Fortesta (testosterone) on your thighs makes it less likely that you'll transfer the medication to other people around you.
Fortesta (testosterone) is available as a cheaper generic form.

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 wait at least 2 hours after applying Fortesta (testosterone) before you can swim or bathe, otherwise your body won't absorb the full amount of the medication.
Fortesta (testosterone) does not need to be dose adjusted if you have liver or kidney problems.

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