Skip to main content

Testim

Generic name: testosterone topicaltes-TOS-ter-one-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: AndroGel Pump 1.25 g/actuation, Fortesta, Testim, Vogelxo, AndroGel Packets, FIRST-Testosterone
Drug class: Androgens and anabolic steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 15, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Testim?

Testim (for the skin) is used as hormone replacement therapy in adult men with certain medical conditions that cause low or no testosterone levels.

Testosterone will not enhance athletic performance and should not be used for that purpose.

Testosterone is not approved for use in women or in men with low testosterone levels due to getting older.

Testosterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Testim side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Testosterone can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have: chest pain, pain, swelling or warmth in your leg, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath, or trouble breathing.

Testosterone may cause serious side effects. Stop using testosterone and call your doctor at once if you have:

Topical testosterone is absorbed through the skin and can cause side effects in anyone who comes into contact with Testim. You may need to stop using testosterone and call your doctor if a person who has close contact with you develops unexpected sexual changes or male features, aggressive behavior, changes in body hair, increase in acne, or unexpected bone growth.

Common side effects of Testim may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not be treated with testosterone if you have prostate cancer or male breast cancer.

Testim can transfer from your skin to others. Avoid letting treated skin areas come into contact with other people, especially children and women.

This medicine is not approved for use in women. Testosterone may harm an unborn baby.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Testim if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

Using testosterone may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this medicine.

This medicine is not approved for use in women. Testosterone may harm an unborn baby. Testosterone can be absorbed through skin contact with another person who is being treated with this medication.

How should I use Testim?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use testosterone in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Your doctor will perform tests to make sure testosterone is the right treatment for you.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine. Use a mild soap to clean the skin area to be treated.

Your dose needs and application site may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided for preparing and applying testosterone for the first time and subsequent doses. Each brand form of testosterone has different instructions for use.

Apply this medicine only to the skin areas recommended for your specific formulation of testosterone. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Certain brand forms of testosterone contain alcohol and are flammable until dry. Do not use near high heat or open flame.

You will need frequent blood tests and your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Do not keep leftover medicine. Just one dose can cause serious side effects in someone using it accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program, or how to safely dispose of unused or used testosterone.

Testosterone may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Follow all storage instructions provided with testosterone.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using Testim?

Do not apply Testim to your penis or scrotum. Certain brand forms should also not be applied to the stomach, shoulders, upper arms, knees, or areas that receive the most pressure while sleeping or sitting.

Avoid swimming, strenuous activity, or washing the area where the medicine was applied for at least 2 to 5 hours after applying it to ensure absorption.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid contact with unwashed or uncovered application areas. Cover treated skin areas with clothing to avoid contact with other people (especially children and women).

Avoid using other medications or skin products on the treated skin areas, unless you doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Testim?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect testosterone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Does Testim interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Popular FAQ

Is Jatenzo cost covered by insurance?

Your insurance may cover some of the cost of Jatenzo (generic name: testosterone undecanoate). It's is an expensive medication, but many patients will not pay high prices. Contact your insurance company to determine prescription coverage and copay. A copay card from the manufacturer is also available. Continue reading

Is Xyosted a controlled substance?

Xyosted contains tesosterone, which is a Schedule 3 controlled substance in the US, according to the Controlled Substances Act. Continue reading

More FAQ

View more FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Discover a treatment option for Hereditary Amyloidosis