What are Testogel sachets?

Testosterone Gel

• Testogel 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.

What are common symptoms of low testosterone in men?

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

How Does Testogel Work?

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.

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

Every patient suffering from low testosterone levels has a unique individual experience when taking testosterone gel as a treatment.

Testogel Review

Many users have provided a testogel review when using it as a TRT treatment. Take a look at the user experiences for testosterone gel available at Drugs.com.

How is Testogel Taken?

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.

What is the dosage of Testogel satchets?

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 40.5mg 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 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.

What warnings does Testogel come with?

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 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 will suit you. Your doctor should complete a thorough health questionnaire and review your current medications before prescribing this medication.

Does Testogel work?

Testosterone gel has been found to significantly increase testosterone levels (Shoskes et al, 2016) and libido / sex drive (Rizk et al, 2017). However, to ensure that testogel is suitable for you, you should always consult with your healthcare provider or doctor to ensure that the appropriate tests are undertaken and to check that TRT hormone therapy is a suitable course of treatment for your individual requirements.

Does testogel build muscle?

The findings of studies around testosterone gel and it’s effects on muscle mass are mixed. For example, whilst moderate increases in arm/chest muscle strength were observed in participants of Wang et al’s (2000) study into how testosterone gel improves various bodily functions, another study found that whilst TRT can increase physical function, it is not associated with increased muscle strength (Nam et al, 2018). It is important to note that the clinical purpose of testogel is to increase levels of testosterone, not to build muscle.

Does testogel cause weight gain?

TRT could potentially increase weight in elderly men (Saad et al, 2011). However, in contrast, TRT could also result in weight loss, as found in a study of testosterone therapy in overweight and obese men (Traish, A., 2014). It is important to remember that weight changes are a side effects of therapy and that the medication is used to increase testosterone levels in suitable patients where it has been prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Can I put testosterone gel on my legs?

As advised by Mayo Clinic, you should only apply testosterone gel to the shoulders and/or upper arm or abdomen, in a clean, dry, intact area of skin. You should always consult your trusted doctor or healthcare provider if you are unsure of how to apply testogel correctly and always ensure you are following the guidance found on the patient information leaflet. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you are ever unsure of when the appropriate time to apply the medication is, as they will be able to ensure that you are using it in a safe and correct manner.

Can I use testosterone gel at night?

It is recommended to apply testosterone gel in the morning and at the same time every day, ensuring that you adhere to the directions of the patient information leaflet.

Can testosterone gel make you tired?

According to Healthline (2023), whilst not common, topical testosterone can invoke feelings of tiredness, such as dizziness, feeling faint and light-headedness.

Can testosterone gel transfer after it dries?

There should be minimal risk of secondary transfer of testosterone gel, providing that a patient adheres to the recommended drying time (trted.org). The drying time can differ between gels, this highlights the importance of following the guidance on the given patient information leaflet that accompanies the given testogel.

Does testosterone gel make you hornier?

There are various studies that indicate that testosterone treatment can improve a low sex drive / libido (Lakshman & Basaria, 2009; Cunningham et al, 2016; Straftis & Gray, 2019). Though a consultation with your healthcare provider or doctor is important in ensuring that TRT is the recommended course of treatment for improving a patient’s sex drive.

Can you put testosterone gel on your balls?

No. You should not apply testosterone gel to your scrotum or penis (Mayo Clinic).

Can you put testosterone gel on your face?

No. You should only apply testogel to clean, dry and intact areas of the skin on your shoulders or upper arms (Mayo Clinic). You should always consult your doctor if you are unsure about how or where to apply testogel.

Does testosterone gel stop natural production?

The body of a patient undergoing testosterone therapy, will stop testosterone production and a cautious approach to therapy is advised; this includes ensuring a patient gets an accurate assessment from healthcare professionals prior to beginning treatment (Harvard Medical School, 2020).

Does testosterone gel expire?

Yes, testosterone gel does expire and should not be used after the expiry date stated on the package.

Can you use expired testosterone gel?

No, testosterone gel should not be used after the expiry date (this date can be found on the package).

Do you need a prescription for testosterone gel?

Yes. Testosterone gel is a prescription only medication and should only be used following recommendation by your doctor or healthcare professional.

Can you buy testosterone gel over the counter?

No. Topical testosterone is a prescription only medication and should only be used if approved by your doctor or healthcare provider.

Where can I buy Testogel online?

Testogel UK

You can safely buy Testogel satchets (testosterone gel) online here at EU Meds. Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.

• Testosterone Gel - Drugs.com
• Testosterone Gel Transdermal - WebMD
• Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - NHS
• Testosterone - British National Formulary (BNF)
• Testogel (Testosterone) - NetDoctor
• Testosterone Gel - Medicines.org.uk
• Testosterone - DrugBank
• Testosterone Topical Use List - EMA (European Medicines Agency)
• Testosterone Gel - MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)