How to Compare Testim to Androgel

Testim and AndroGel are two different brands of testosterone gel, a prescription drug used for the treatment of low testosterone levels in adult men. Both gels contain the same active ingredients in levels that vary by prescription, and they are similar in most ways. Despite these similarities, some men experience better results with Testim, while others respond better to AndroGel. To compare these drugs and determine which one is appropriate for you, you must work closely with your doctor.

Instructions

• 1

  Speak with your doctor about your testosterone levels, and have these levels checked if you have not already done so. Testim and AndroGel are prescription drugs for low testosterone, so you won't have a chance to take either one unless your doctor confirms that your levels are low. Symptoms of low testosterone include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, irritability, muscle loss, poor concentration and depression.

• 2

  Ask your doctor if testosterone gels may be an appropriate solution for your low hormone levels. There are a range of different testosterone treatments including injected medicines, patches and capsules, and your doctor may find that one of these other forms of testosterone replacement is more appropriate. Tell your doctor if you have an enlarged prostate, breast cancer, liver disease, kidney disease or heart disease, or have experienced trouble urinating. All of these conditions may indicate a potential conflict with testosterone gel.

• 3

  Discuss the merits of Testim and AndroGel with your doctor if it is found that you are a candidate for testosterone gel treatments. Testim is a newer drug than AndroGel, and studies from MedReviews, a medical research company, indicate that it may be significantly more effective. Your doctor may have a strong preference for one drug over the other or may be aware of more recent medical studies of testosterone gels.

• 4

  Discuss the application directions of the two drugs. This is one of the only significant differences between the two. AndroGel can be applied to either the shoulders and upper arms or to the stomach and lower back. Testim can be applied only to the shoulders and upper arms. If you have a physical condition that would make it difficult to apply the gel to your shoulders and upper arms, your doctor may want to start you on AndroGel for this reason.

• 5

  Begin taking whichever gel is prescribed by your doctor. Take the drug precisely according to the product label and your doctor's instructions, and pay close attention to your symptoms as you take it. Attend regular check-ups during this period and undergo regular testosterone level testing. Describe any side effects or improvements in detail with your doctor.

• 6

  Discuss with your doctor the prospect of switching to the other drug if the current drug is not improving testosterone levels or is causing unpleasant side effects. Depending on the specifics of your condition, your doctor may prefer to keep you on the current drug or switch you to a different form of testosterone therapy.