1. Home
  2. Health
  3. AIDS / HIV

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

By , About.com Guide

Updated: November 30, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Testosterone Gel

Photo © Gold Standard
Form:
Intermuscular injection or various forms of transdermal applications
Usual Dosage:
  • Injectable - Deletestryl: 200mg injection every 2 weeks or 400mg injection once each month
  • Transdermal
    • Androderm - One 5mg patch every 24 hours
    • Androgel 1% - One 5G packet of gel rubbed onto a major muscle every 24 hours
Instructions - Injection:
The injectable form must be given deep in a large muscle such as the anterior thigh.
Instructions - Patch or Gel:
  • A new patch should be applied to a large muscle such as your upper arm or buttocks every 24 hours.
  • If Androgel is being used, apply the gel to a large muscle such as the upper arm, anterior thigh, or buttocks. Cleanse the area well before applying gel.
  • Wash your hands immediately after applying the gel.
Possible Side Effects:
Low term use or misuse of testosterone replacement therapy can result in the following:
  • acne
  • application site irritation
  • liver complications
  • possible link to increased risk of prostate cancer
  • alterations in mood
Precautions:
  • Remember to wash your hands well after applying the gel.
  • Proper injection technique should be taught and confirmed by a health care professional before doing injections at home.
  • The old patch should be removed and the site cleaned before applying another.
  • Wait 5-6 hours after gel application to shower or to go swimming.
More Information:
To find out more about low testosterone levels and testosterone replacement therapy, talk to you doctor.

For more information on Androgel, Androderm, or Deletestryl try About.com's Drug Finder.

Explore AIDS / HIV
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. AIDS / HIV

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.