Understand the differences between AndroGel (testosterone gel) 1.62% and 1%^1,2

Click here to watch our comparison video of the starting dose for each product

Dosage and administration for AndroGel 1.62% differs from AndroGel 1%. AndroGel is not interchangeable with other topical testosterone products.

The application sites and dosage of AndroGel 1% and 1.62% are not interchangeable.

Dosing for AndroGel

AndroGel 1%

AndroGel 1% recommended starting dose: 50 mg (5 grams of gel) or 4 pumps applied to the shoulders and upper arms and/or stomach area once daily in the morning.
AndroGel 1% should not be applied to any other areas of the body, including the genitals.
AndroGel 1% is supplied in a twin package including 2 metered dose pumps.
Dose adjustment: Monitor serum testosterone levels initially and periodically during treatment and adjust dosing as needed.
Dosing can be adjusted between 50 mg (5 grams of gel) and 100 mg (10 grams of gel) of testosterone. If serum testosterone levels consistently exceed the normal range at a daily dose of 50 mg (5 grams of gel), AndroGel 1% therapy should be discontinued.
Each 1.25 g pump actuation contains 12.5 mg of testosterone.

AndroGel 1.62%

AndroGel 1.62% recommended starting dose: 40.5 mg (2 pumps) applied to the shoulders and upper arms once daily in the morning.
AndroGel 1.62% should not be applied to any other areas of the body, including the abdomen or genitals.
AndroGel 1.62% is supplied in a single package including 1 metered dose pump.
Dose adjustment: Titrate based on pre-dose morning serum testosterone levels from a single blood draw at approximately 14 days and 28 days after starting treatment or following dose adjustment, and assess serum testosterone levels periodically thereafter.
Dosing can be adjusted between a minimum of 20.25 mg of testosterone (1 pump actuation) and a maximum of 81 mg of testosterone (4 pump actuations).
Each 1.25 g pump actuation contains 20.25 mg of testosterone gel.

Safety Considerations for AndroGel 1% and AndroGel 1.62% ^1,2

Strict adherence to the following precautions is advised in order to minimize the potential for secondary exposure to testosterone from AndroGel treated - skin:

Children and women should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application site(s) of men using AndroGel.
Apply AndroGel 1% only to the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. Apply AndroGel 1.62% only to the upper arms and shoulders. The application area should be limited to the area that will be covered by a t-shirt.
Patients should wash their hands with soap and water immediately after application.
Cover the application site(s) with clothing after the gel has dried.
Wash the application site(s) thoroughly with soap and water prior to any situation where skin-to-skin contact of the application site with another person is anticipated.
In the event that AndroGel comes in direct contact with the skin of another person, the general area of contact on the other person should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible.

Understand the difference

Indication^1,2
AndroGel^® 1% and 1.62% CIII are androgens indicated for replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone: Primary hypogonadism or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired).

Safety and efficacy of AndroGel in males less than 18 years old have not been established.
Topical testosterone products may have different doses, strengths, or application instructions that may result in different systemic exposure.

Indication^1,2

AndroGel^® (testosterone gel) 1% and 1.62% CIII are androgens indicated for replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone:

Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): testicular failure due to conditions such as cryptorchidism, bilateral torsion, orchitis, vanishing testis syndrome, orchiectomy, Klinefelter's syndrome, chemotherapy, or toxic damage from alcohol or heavy metals.
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): idiopathic gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) deficiency or pituitary-hypothalamic injury from tumors, trauma, or radiation.

Important limitations of use:

Safety and efficacy of AndroGel in males less than 18 years old have not been established.
Topical testosterone products may have different doses, strengths, or application instructions that may result in different systemic exposure.

Important Safety Information^1,2

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.

AndroGel is contraindicated in men with breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer, and in women who are or may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as testosterone may cause fetal harm.
Monitor patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with androgens due to an increased risk for worsening signs and symptoms of BPH.
Patients treated with androgens may be at increased risk for prostate cancer and should be evaluated prior to initiating and during treatment with androgens. Monitor prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels periodically.
Avoid unintentional exposure of women or children to AndroGel. Secondary exposure to testosterone can produce signs of virilization and should be brought to the attention of the healthcare provider. Exposure of a pregnant woman to AndroGel may result in potential hazard to the fetus. AndroGel should be promptly discontinued until the cause of virilization is identified.
Increases in hematocrit, reflective of increases in red blood cell mass, may require lowering or discontinuation of testosterone. Monitor hematocrit prior to and periodically during treatment. Monitor hemoglobin periodically.
AndroGel is not indicated for use in women.
Treatment with AndroGel may lead to azoospermia; edema which may be serious in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease, or in patients taking adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or corticosteroids; gynecomastia; sleep apnea, especially in those with risk factors; changes in insulin sensitivity or glycemic control; and changes in anticoagulant activity.
Treatment with androgens may lead to serious hepatic effects. AndroGel is not known to cause these adverse effects. Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) periodically.
Changes in serum lipid profile may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of testosterone therapy. Monitor lipid concentrations periodically.
Androgens should be used with caution in cancer patients at risk of hypercalcemia (and associated hypercalciuria). Regular monitoring of serum calcium concentrations is recommended in these patients.
Most common adverse reaction of AndroGel 1.62% (incidence ≥5%) is an increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA). Most common adverse reactions of AndroGel 1% (incidence ≥5%) are acne, application site reactions, abnormal lab tests, and prostatic disorders.
Dosage and administration for AndroGel 1.62% differs from AndroGel 1%. AndroGel is not interchangeable with other topical testosterone products.

^†Eligible patients will save up to $50 off their monthly AndroGel 1.62% prescription after their $10 co-pay for a total of 12 transactions (a total of $600 savings). This program is not valid for prescriptions reimbursed under Medicare, Medicaid, or similar federal or state programs. Abbott Laboratories reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this offer without notice.

Please see full Prescribing Information including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

References: 1. AndroGel 1% [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories. 2. AndroGel 1.62% [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: Abbott Laboratories.

Androgel 1.62%: Designed with a Man in Mind

Understand the differences between AndroGel (testosterone gel) 1.62% and 1%1,2

AndroGel 1%

AndroGel 1.62%

Safety Considerations for AndroGel 1% and AndroGel 1.62% 1,2

Understand the differences between AndroGel (testosterone gel) 1.62% and 1%^1,2

Safety Considerations for AndroGel 1% and AndroGel 1.62% ^1,2