An Introduction to Dosing With AndroGel
The dose of
AndroGel® (
testosterone gel) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you react to AndroGel
- Your testosterone levels
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
AndroGel Dosage Guidelines
The recommended starting dose for AndroGel is 5 grams applied to the skin once daily. After a while, your healthcare provider should check your testosterone levels again. If they are still low, the dose may be increased (first to 7.5 grams once daily, then to 10 grams once daily if necessary). If your testosterone levels are too high after taking the 5-gram daily dose, it is recommended that you stop taking AndroGel.
General Information on Your AndroGel Dose
Some considerations for people taking AndroGel include the following:
- The medication is a gel that is applied to the skin once daily. It comes in either single-use packets or in a multiuse pump.
- The packets contain 2.5 grams or 5 grams of the gel. The pump provides 1.25 grams with each depression of the pump. For a 5-gram dose, use four depressions of the pump. For a 7.5-gram dose, use six depressions of the pump. For a 10-gram dose, use eight depressions of the pump.
- Apply AndroGel at the same time each day, preferably in the morning. Apply it to clean, dry, healthy skin on the shoulders, upper arms, and/or abdomen (stomach).
- Do not apply AndroGel to the genitals.
- Make sure to wash your hands after applying the gel. Give the gel a few minutes to dry before you dress. Make sure to wait at least five or six hours before showering or swimming.
- Be sure to cover the application site with clothing once the gel is dry to minimize contact with women or children. You should wash the area thoroughly before any skin-to-skin contact (such as sexual intercourse).
- Until the gel dries, it is flammable. Stay away from open flame until the gel is dry.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not increase your AndroGel dose or take it more frequently than prescribed without your healthcare provider's approval.
- If you are unsure about anything related to your AndroGel dosage, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
