Testim

Testim^® is a prescription testosterone gel used to treat adult men with hypogonadism, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. Hypogonadism can affect muscle mass, bone density, libido, mood, energy levels, and more.

Testim is applied topically to the skin, allowing testosterone to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The standard starting dose is one 5-gram tube of Testim gel containing 50 milligrams of testosterone applied once daily, usually in the morning, to clean, dry skin on the shoulders and upper arms. The dosage may be adjusted based on the person’s testosterone levels.

Risks and side effects are similar to other types of testosterone therapy, but as a topical treatment, Testim also carries a particular risk of testosterone transfer to others through skin contact, which can lead to unintended hormonal effects in women and children. To minimize this risk, patients should wash their hands thoroughly after application, allow the gel to dry completely, and cover the application site with clothing.

Testim (testosterone) is indicated for:

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

  • Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired)

  • Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Androgen

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥2% of the Testim patients and greater than placebo) are:

• Application site reaction

• Increased hematocrit

The price of Testim may vary depending on factors like your insurance plan and where you buy it.

The average retail price of brand-name Testim is about $760 for a month’s supply, but pharmacy coupons and savings cards are available to bring down the price to as low as about $570. Generic Testim is typically less expensive, costing about $430 for a month’s supply, with coupons and savings cards available to bring down the price as low as about $90.

Testim is only available by prescription from a healthcare provider. If you’re interested in taking this medication, make an appointment with your provider so they can assess your testosterone levels and discuss whether testosterone therapy is the right treatment for you based on factors like your health status, medical history, and symptoms.

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

• Women who are pregnant. 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

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

• Avoid unintentional exposure of women or children to Testim. Secondary exposure to testosterone can produce signs of virilization

• 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 hearty attack and stroke associated with use of testosterone replacement therapy

• Exogenous administration of androgens may lead to azoospermia

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

• Sleep apnea may occur in those with risk factors

• Monitor prostate specific antigen (PSA), hematocrit, and lipid concentrations periodically

• Testim is flammable until dry

WARNING: SECONDARY EXPOSURE TO TESTOSTERONE

Virilization has been reported in children who were secondarily exposed to testosterone gel.

Children should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites in men using testosterone gel.

Healthcare providers should advise patients to strictly adhere to recommended instructions for use.

There are other treatments for low testosterone or hypogonadism. Some treatments may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in an alternative to Testim, connect with a healthcare provider who can help you evaluate your options.

Other types of testosterone replacement therapy (sometimes called androgen replacement) include:

• Injectable testosterone, such as Aveed^® or Depo^®-Testosterone

• Implantable testosterone pellets, such as Testopel^®

• Oral testosterone therapy medications, including Jatenzo^® and Tlando^®

• Other topical testosterone options, such as Androderm^® (testosterone patch)

Alternatives to TRT that may help manage low testosterone in men include the following, which can signal the body to have or make more testosterone:

• Aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex^® (anastrozole)

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or Ovidrel^®, a lab-made version of hCG

• Selective estrogen receptor modulators like Clomid (clomiphene)

Your healthcare provider may also prescribe non-medication alternatives that can naturally support healthy testosterone levels, including:

• Exercise

• Stress management

• Dietary improvements

• Getting enough sleep

• Weight loss

*This information is from the label for brand name Testim^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Testosterone, the active ingredient in Testim, 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.