Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel

Testogel 16.2mg/g Gel

Testogel 16.2mg/g is a transdermal gel containing testosterone, used as testosterone replacement therapy in adult men with male hypogonadism, where testosterone deficiency has been confirmed through both symptoms and blood tests. It is applied to clean, dry, healthy skin on the shoulders or upper arms. It is a medicine that requires a clinician to assess, set the dose and monitor treatment.

How it works

Testosterone is absorbed through the skin from the gel and passes into the bloodstream, raising levels towards the normal range over the course of the day. Delivering it through the skin avoids the first pass through the liver that oral testosterone would face, and gives a steadier level than intermittent injections. Confirmation by blood test matters, because symptoms such as tiredness and low mood have many other causes.

How to use it

Apply the gel to clean, dry, healthy skin on the shoulders or upper arms as directed, allow it to dry fully, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Cover the treated area with clothing once dry, and do not shower or swim for the period stated. The exact dose is determined and monitored by your clinician, and attending the blood tests arranged for you is part of the treatment, not an optional extra.

Who it is for

It is for adult men with confirmed male hypogonadism. It is not for use by women or children, and it is not for treating age related changes in testosterone without a confirmed diagnosis. Your clinician needs to know about prostate or breast cancer, heart, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and all other medicines you take.

Safety and when to get advice

Care must be taken to prevent the gel transferring to other people through skin contact, particularly women and children, in whom it can cause unwanted effects. Wash hands after applying, cover the area, and wash the skin before close contact. Attend the monitoring arranged, which typically includes testosterone levels, blood count and prostate checks. Contact your clinician about difficulty passing urine, persistent erections, breast tenderness or enlargement, mood changes, swelling of the ankles, or breathing problems during sleep. Read the Patient Information Leaflet for full information on application, warnings, precautions and possible side effects.

Common questions

Why is transfer to others such a concern?
Testosterone absorbed through another person's skin can cause unwanted effects, especially in women and children. Washing hands and covering the area prevent this.

Why do I need blood tests?
They confirm the diagnosis before treatment and then check that levels and other markers stay where they should.

Can I stop if I feel better?
Speak to your clinician first rather than stopping or changing the dose yourself.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the pack before use.