Natesto

Natesto^® is a prescription medication used for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in adult males with low or no testosterone due to certain medical conditions. Its formulation as a nasal gel offers an alternative to injectable, transdermal, or oral testosterone therapies.

Natesto is absorbed through the nasal cavity into the bloodstream. It helps restore and maintain normal testosterone levels, which are crucial for healthy sexual function, muscle mass, bone density, mood regulation, and overall energy levels.

Compared to other TRT methods, Natesto is less likely to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This means the medication may preserve natural testosterone production and sperm production better than injectable testosterone formulations, making Natesto a potential option for men who want to maintain their fertility levels.

While side effects are generally mild, in rare cases, Natesto may cause increased red blood cell count, elevated blood pressure, and worsening of benign prostatic hyperplasia. People using Natesto should regularly visit their provider for monitoring and lab work.

Natesto (testosterone) is indicated for:

• Replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone:

  • Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired)

  • Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired)

Androgen

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3%) are:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) increased

• Headache

• Runny nose

• Bloody nose

• Nasal discomfort

• Inflammation of the nasal passages and throat

• Bronchitis

• Upper respiratory tract infection

• Sinusitis

• Nasal scab

The price of Natesto may vary depending on the dosage, quantity, where you buy it, and your insurance plan. The average retail price of Natesto is about $1,000 for three pumps, but coupons and discount cards may be available to bring down the price as low as about $165. Health insurance may cover all or some of the cost of this medication.

The Natesto Savings Program allows eligible, commercially insured folks to pay as little as $0 per month for Natesto, while people paying cash (or those whose insurance plan doesn’t cover the drug) may be able to purchase Natesto for $140.

There is currently no lower-cost generic version of Natesto available.

• Men with carcinoma of the breast or known or suspected prostate cancer

• Pregnant or breast-feeding women. Testosterone may cause fetal harm

• Drug interactions: Androgens may decrease blood glucose and therefore may decrease insulin requirements in diabetic patients, changes in anticoagulant activity may be seen with androgens, use of testosterone with corticosteroids may result in increased fluid retention

• Nasal adverse reactions

• Not recommended for use in patients with chronic nasal conditions or alterations in nasal anatomy

• Monitor patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH

• Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have been reported in patients using testosterone products

• Some postmarketing studies have shown an increased risk of heart attack and stroke associated with use of testosterone replacement therapy

• Testosterone has been subject to abuse, typically at doses higher than recommended for the approved indication and in combination with other anabolic androgenic steroids

• Women and children should not use Natesto

• Exogenous administration of androgens may lead to azoospermia

• Edema with or without congestive heart failure (CHF) may be a complication in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease

• Sleep apnea may occur in those with risk factors

• Monitor PSA, hematocrit and lipid concentrations periodically

*This information is from the label for brand name Natesto^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Testosterone, the active ingredient in Natesto, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient testosterone.