Fortesta
(testosterone)
Treats low testosterone.
Our bottom line
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.
- Drug class: Men's Health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (testosterone)
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.
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What to expect from Fortesta, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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.
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What to expect from Fortesta, on one page
Download Fact SheetFortesta (testosterone) works by adding or replacing the hormone testosterone in your body. Testosterone is important for the normal growth and development of sex hormones and organs in males.
- Drug class: Men's Health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (testosterone)
Used for
- Hypogonadism
Dosage forms
- Gel
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$235.40
- Get free discount
$235.65
What to expect when you take Fortesta (testosterone) for Hypogonadism
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Skin reactions
- Abnormal dreams
Side effect rates for Fortesta (testosterone)
- Skin reaction16%16%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Fortesta.
People taking Fortesta felt side effect more
People taking Fortesta felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Fortesta (testosterone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Fortesta (testosterone) can be transferred to another person by skin-to-skin contact with the application site. Virilization has occured in children after contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites of men who use topical testosterone. Be sure to follow the instructions of use in order to prevent this from happening. Children and women should avoid contact with application sites of men using Fortesta (testosterone). Signs and symptoms include enlargement of the penis or clitoris, development of pubic hair, increased erections and libido, aggressive behavior, and advanced bone age. If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor immediately.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Fortesta (testosterone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Fortesta (testosterone) is an alcohol based product and thus is flammable. Avoid smoking, fire or flames until the gel has dried.
- Fortesta (testosterone) does not need to be dose adjusted if you have liver or kidney problems.