Testosterone Gel

• Testogel sachets uk contains the active ingredient testosterone, the hormone that naturally occurs in men
• Testogel is a gel that is applied to the skin where it is absorbed into the body
• Testogel is prescribed for men who do not produce testosterone, or who have low testosterone levels
• A healthy level of testosterone is needed for sperm production, maintaining a normal sex drive, for achieving an erection and for muscle and bone health
• As testosterone levels fall as men get older, testosterone replacement is sometimes prescribed for older men as a form of hormone replacement therapy to improve the low level of the hormone
• Testogel may also be prescribed for men who produce low testosterone for other reasons
• Testosterone gel should not be taken by mouth (as is the case with oral steroids). It should not be injected (as is the case with injectable steroids). It should only be used on the skin.
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

For more information on the prescription testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) medication please refer to the Testogel patient information leaflet.

WebMD (2022) note that there are common symtoms of low testosterone in men. These low testosterone symptoms include:

• Smaller, softer testicles
• Thinner muscles over time
• Body hair loss over time
• Larger breasts
• Thinner bones over time
• Lower libido / sex drive
• Poorer concentration
• Less energy
• Changes in mood
• Lower sperm count

Testogel contains the active ingredient testosterone. The gel is applied to the skin on the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen and should then be allowed to absorb in naturally (Shoskes et al, 2016). The testosterone then reaches the bloodstream, raising the overall low levels of testosterone in the body.

The testosterone in Testogel mimics the natural testosterone that would be produced in the body (Khodamoradi et al, 2021). Testosterone gel therefore can also potentially help with sperm production, supporting a healthy sex drive, erections and supporting bone growth, muscle growth and blood cell growth. This is in addition to improving blood testosterone levels in the body.

Testogel should only be applied by the man who is taking it. No one else should help to apply it because they would be at risk of absorbing the hormone through their skin, too.

Testosterone gel needs to be applied once a day at around the same time. It should be applied as a thin layer to the skin of the shoulders, upper arms or abdomen.

The gel does not need rubbing in, but can simply be left as a thin layer smeared onto the skin. You should wait for around five minutes for the Testogel to soak into the skin naturally. Do not cover the area with clothing until the Testogel has properly dried.

If you shower in the morning, it is best to apply the gel after your skin has cooled down and properly dried. If you prefer to shower later in the day, you should wait six hours after applying the gel before showering.

After applying the gel, you should wash your hands. If you come into close contact with someone else, such as a partner, you should make sure that your hands have been washed before you touch them. You must also cover the area with clothing or have a shower before having skin to skin contact (including sex) with someone else. This is because otherwise there is a risk of transferring the active ingredient, testosterone, to them.

Testogel must not be used on the genital area, as it may irritate the skin.

Testogel 50mg

There are two forms of Testogel:

• Testogel that comes in a pump form, and is usually taken at a dose of 40.5mg to 81mg per day
• Testogel that comes in a sachet, and is usually taken at a dose of 50mg to 100mg per day.

The dose of Testogel will be decided by your doctor based on how your body responds to your first doses of Testogel. You will undergo blood tests to check the testosterone level in your blood after starting Testogel, to decide which ongoing dose is required.

Testogel Side Effects

Like all medications, Testogel sachets uk can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Skin reactions including itching or redness where the gel is applied
• Acne
• Nausea and vomiting (feeling sick and being sick)
• Headache
• Low mood or depression
• Weight gain.

If these don’t settle or are troublesome, you should speak to your doctor for medical advice.

More rarely, other side effects can occur including:

• Prostate gland growth and increased prostate cancer risk
• Feeling anxious or irritable
• Aggression or anger
• Persistent painful erections – call a doctor straight away if this occurs
• Hair loss
• Breast enlargement or pain
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

If you experience, or are worried about, any of these side effects, you should speak to your doctor straight away.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Testogel should only be taken by adult men. It is not suitable for women or children.

Elderly patients may require a lower dose of Testogel.

You should tell your doctor if you:

• Have, or have ever had, prostate or breast cancer
• Have, or have ever had, liver cancer
• Have any form of cancer that has ever spread to your bones
• Have kidney disease including nephrosis or nephrotic syndrome
• Have heart disease or high blood pressure
• Have epilepsy
• Have diabetes
• Have, or have ever had, migraines
• Have high calcium levels
• Have sleep apnoea.

Some medications can interact with Testogel. You may be advised that Testogel sachets uk will not suit you if you already take:

• Blood thinning medications including warfarin
• Steroids including dexamethasone
• Insulin or tablets for diabetes
• Another type of testosterone medication.

You should also tell your prescriber about any herbal remedies or supplements you take. This will allow your prescriber to check that Testogel will not interact with them.

It is important that your doctor checks that Testogel sachets uk will suit you. Your doctor should complete a thorough health questionnaire and review your current medications before prescribing this medication.

Testogel FAQs