AndroGel Gel: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

AndroGel Gel (testosterone) is a prescription androgen medicine applied to the skin to raise low testosterone levels in adult men. It is used to treat hypogonadism and as hormone replacement therapy when the body cannot make enough testosterone on its own. AndroGel is not meant for use in women, and safety has not been established in males under 18 or in men with age-related low testosterone.

What is AndroGel Gel

AndroGel is a prescription gel that contains testosterone, an androgen. It is applied to the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream to raise low testosterone levels in adult men.

AndroGel Gel uses

• Treats low or absent testosterone in adult men caused by certain medical conditions (hypogonadism)
• Used for hormone replacement in men who cannot make enough testosterone, for example due to hypogonadism

Benefits of AndroGel Gel

• Helps treat low testosterone levels (male hypogonadism) when confirmed by a doctor
• Helps restore testosterone to a more normal physiological range
• Can improve sex drive and sexual function when symptoms are due to testosterone deficiency
• Helps support muscle mass, strength, and energy levels
• Helps maintain bone density and normal male sexual characteristics

How AndroGel Gel works

AndroGel raises testosterone in the blood. Testosterone is needed for normal growth and development of male sex organs and for maintaining male characteristics like body hair, muscle, and voice depth.

AndroGel Gel dosage

Apply AndroGel at the same time each morning, preferably after showering or bathing. Apply only to clean, dry, healthy skin on the shoulders, upper arms, and/or stomach area that would be covered by a short-sleeve t-shirt. Do not apply to the penis, scrotum, chest, armpits, knees, or back.

Let the application site dry completely before getting dressed, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right away after applying. Cover the application site with clothing once the gel has dried, and wash the application site with soap and water before any expected skin-to-skin contact with another person.

Avoid showering, swimming, or bathing for at least 5 hours after applying, so the medicine can be absorbed. Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until the gel has dried, since it is flammable.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule without doubling up. Do not change your dose or how you use this medicine without talking to your doctor.

This medicine is not meant for use in women. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in men with age-related (late-onset) hypogonadism or in males under 18 years old.

Available forms and strengths

• Gel in a metered-dose pump
• Gel in unit-dose packets
• AndroGel 1%
• AndroGel 1.62%

Side effects of AndroGel Gel

Common

• Increased prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels
• Mood swings and other emotional changes
• Skin irritation at the application site
• Excessive hair growth
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• Increased hemoglobin (red blood cell related lab changes)
• Worsening urinary symptoms due to enlarged prostate
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Acne
• Lab test changes

Serious

• Unintentional exposure of AndroGel to other people (secondary exposure), which can cause early puberty signs in children or masculinizing changes in women
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Increased risk of prostate cancer
• Worsening of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
• Increase in blood pressure
• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or body, with or without heart failure
• Enlarged or painful breasts (gynecomastia)
• Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
• Lowered sperm count with large doses

Warnings and precautions

• AndroGel can transfer from your skin to other people, especially children and women, causing early puberty signs in children or masculine changes in women. Take precautions like covering the application area and washing your hands after use.
• Do not use AndroGel if you have breast cancer, known or suspected prostate cancer, or are pregnant.
• AndroGel can cause blood clots in the legs or lungs.
• AndroGel can raise blood pressure, which over time can raise the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• AndroGel is flammable until it dries, so avoid fire, flames, or smoking until the gel has fully dried on your skin.
• AndroGel contains testosterone, a controlled substance, and should never be shared with anyone else, since misuse can cause serious harm.
• AndroGel must not be used by pregnant women, and it can harm an unborn baby if a pregnant woman is exposed to it. Pregnant women should avoid all contact with the skin area where AndroGel has been applied.
• AndroGel is not meant for use in women, including while breastfeeding.
• No studies have been done in people with kidney problems, so tell your doctor if you have kidney issues before using AndroGel.
• No studies have been done in people with liver problems, so tell your doctor if you have liver issues before using AndroGel.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Keep away from fire
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Safely throw away used AndroGel in household trash in a way that prevents accidental use by children or pets

When to see a doctor

• Stop using AndroGel and call your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of accidental exposure in a child (such as enlarged genitals, early pubic hair, increased erections, or aggressive behavior) or in a woman (such as new body hair changes or acne)
• Get medical help right away if you have signs of a blood clot, such as leg pain, swelling or redness, or if you have difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Seek emergency care if you have signs of a heart attack, like chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the jaw, neck, or arm, unexplained sweating, or trouble breathing
• Seek emergency care if you have signs of a stroke, such as face drooping, trouble speaking, sudden vision problems, a severe headache, or weakness on one side of the body
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the serious side effects, including worsening urinary symptoms, swelling, or breathing problems during sleep

Alternatives

• Testosterone Enanthate Injection
• Testosterone Cypionate Injection
• Fortesta Gel
• Testim Gel