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

Quick overview

Testim Gel contains testosterone, a naturally occurring male hormone, and belongs to the androgens drug class. It is a topical gel used for testosterone replacement therapy in adult men with low or absent natural testosterone. Testim delivers testosterone through the skin into the bloodstream, helping restore and maintain hormone levels over 24 hours.

What is Testim Gel

Testim is a topical gel that contains testosterone, a naturally occurring male hormone. It is used to treat conditions in men caused by a lack of natural testosterone.

Testim Gel uses

• Testosterone replacement therapy in adult men with low or absent natural testosterone (hypogonadism)
• Primary hypogonadism caused by problems with the testicles (such as undescended testicles, testicular injury, certain genetic conditions, or damage from chemotherapy, alcohol, or heavy metals)
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism caused by problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus that lead to low hormone signals to the testicles

Benefits of Testim Gel

• Helps treat low testosterone levels (male hypogonadism) when confirmed by a doctor
• Helps improve energy, mood, and general well-being in men with testosterone deficiency
• Can help improve sex drive and sexual function when low testosterone is the cause
• Helps support muscle mass and strength
• Helps maintain bone density and normal male sexual characteristics

How Testim Gel works

Testim delivers testosterone through the skin into the bloodstream. The skin acts like a reservoir, slowly releasing the hormone over 24 hours, which helps raise and maintain testosterone levels in the blood.

Testim Gel dosage

Apply once daily, preferably in the morning, to clean, dry, unbroken skin of the shoulders and/or upper arms. Only apply to the area that would be covered by a short-sleeve T-shirt. Do not apply to the abdomen, genitals, or scrotum. Squeeze the entire contents of the tube into your palm and apply immediately. Let the application site dry for a few minutes before getting dressed. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after applying. Cover the application site with clothing once the gel has dried. 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 2 hours after applying. Avoid fire, flame, or smoking until the gel has fully dried, since it is flammable while wet. Use at the same time each day to help you remember.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and do not double up. This medicine should not be used by women. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in males younger than 18 years.

Available forms and strengths

• Topical gel in unit-dose tubes (5 g tube containing 50 mg testosterone)

Side effects of Testim Gel

Common

• Redness, itching, burning, or hardened skin where the gel is applied
• Breast swelling or tenderness
• Increased acne or hair growth
• Headache
• Depressed mood or mood swings
• Increased blood pressure
• Hot flushes
• Insomnia
• Changes in sex drive
• Changes in taste or smell
• Spontaneous erections
• Increased appetite
• Sensitive nipples

Serious

• Signs of a blood clot such as pain, redness, or swelling in an arm or leg, or sudden shortness of breath
• Signs of a heart attack or stroke such as chest pain, trouble speaking, or sudden weakness on one side of the body
• Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools
• Worsening of an enlarged prostate or possible increased risk of prostate cancer
• Signs of virilization in children or women from accidental exposure, such as enlarged genitals, early pubic hair growth, or increased aggression
• Severe mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• High red blood cell counts (polycythemia)
• Severe allergic reactions

Warnings and precautions

• Children who come into contact with unwashed or uncovered skin where Testim has been applied can develop signs of early puberty or other hormone-related changes
• Testim should not be used by men with known or suspected breast or prostate cancer
• Testim can raise red blood cell counts, which may increase the risk of blood clots. Blood tests are needed to monitor this
• There have been reports of blood clots in the veins, including in the legs and lungs, in people using testosterone products like Testim
• Testosterone use may be linked with an increased risk of serious heart problems such as heart attack or stroke in some studies, though results are not conclusive
• Testim is flammable until it fully dries, so avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and shortly after application
• Misusing or taking more testosterone than prescribed can lead to serious problems including heart disease, liver disease, mental or mood problems, and dependence
• Testim must not be used by pregnant women. It can cause birth defects in a developing baby. Pregnant women should avoid all contact with skin where the gel has been applied.
• Testim is not meant for use by women, including while breastfeeding.
• No studies have been done in people with kidney problems, so caution and medical guidance are advised.
• No studies have been done in people with liver problems. Report any signs of liver trouble, like yellowing skin, to your doctor right away.

Storage

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) at controlled room temperature
• Keep the tubes in their original packaging until ready to use
• Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight
• Keep away from open flames, sparks, and smoking, as the gel contains alcohol and is flammable until dry
• Store securely to prevent accidental contact or unauthorized use
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or vision changes
• Call your doctor right away if you notice pain, redness, or swelling in an arm or leg, sharp chest pain, or trouble breathing, as these could be signs of a blood clot
• Check with your doctor right away if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting, which could mean a liver problem
• Tell your doctor if you or someone around you notices unusual mood changes, depression, or thoughts of suicide
• If a child or woman accidentally touches the area where Testim was applied, wash that area on their skin with soap and water right away

Alternatives

• Testosterone Transdermal Patch
• Testosterone Enanthate Injection
• Testosterone
• Fortesta
• AndroGel