AndroGel dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes AndroGel’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to use it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for AndroGel. If you want to know more about AndroGel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

AndroGel is a brand-name medication that comes as a topical gel. It’s available in a generic version called testosterone gel.

Boxed warning: Risk of secondary exposure to testosterone

AndroGel has a boxed warning for the risk of secondary exposure to testosterone. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

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Form and strength of AndroGel

AndroGel comes as follows:

• Form: topical gel, which you apply to your skin using a pump that delivers 20.25 milligrams (mg) of drug per pump
• Strength: 1.62%

Dosage of AndroGel

This article describes the recommended dosage for AndroGel. The drugmaker provides this dosage.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of AndroGel without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of AndroGel in adults

AndroGel is used to replace testosterone in adult males. (Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.) Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of AndroGel. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of AndroGel that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage adjustments for AndroGel

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of AndroGel based on several factors. These include:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• how well you tolerate AndroGel
• how your condition responds to Androgel

Missed dose of AndroGel

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to apply a dose of AndroGel. They may advise you to apply the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and apply your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of AndroGel and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about AndroGel and its dosage.

Can I apply AndroGel to the shaft of my penis or on my stomach?

No, you should only apply AndroGel on your shoulders and upper arms. AndroGel is not approved to be used on any other parts of the body.

Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about where you can apply AndroGel. You can also see the “How AndroGel is used” section below for more details.

Is AndroGel safe to be used by females?

No, AndroGel is only approved for use in males. AndroGel has not been studied well in females, but it’s known to cause virilization in this group. With virilization, females develop physical masculine traits, such as male pattern hair growth. (Note AndroGel has a boxed warning for virilization in children who are exposed to testosterone gel. For more information, see the “Boxed warning for AndroGel” section below.)

Talk with your doctor for more information about AndroGel’s approved uses.

Can AndroGel be used long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe AndroGel as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should use AndroGel, talk with your doctor.

Is there a risk of misuse with AndroGel?

Yes, there’s a risk of misuse of AndroGel in males, females, and children.* (With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.) You should only use AndroGel the way your doctor prescribed it. It should not be used for other purposes, including bodybuilding.

Talk with your doctor for more information about how to use AndroGel correctly. You can also see the “How AndroGel is used” section below for more details.

* AndroGel has a boxed warning for risk of secondary exposure to testosterone, especially in children. For more information, see the “Boxed warning for AndroGel” section below.

How AndroGel is used

You’ll apply AndroGel once per day in the morning. Your doctor will explain how to use the pump or the packets.

You should only apply AndroGel to your shoulders and upper arms. Once the gel dries, be sure to cover it with clothing. You should not get this area wet for 2 hours.

Be sure to always wash your hands with soap and water after applying AndroGel.

If you have difficulty applying your medication, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can offer recommendations about applying it.

AndroGel coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for AndroGel when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Overdose of AndroGel

It’s important that you do not use more AndroGel than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

What to do if you use too much AndroGel

If you think you’ve used too much AndroGel, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for AndroGel. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of AndroGel without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take AndroGel exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How should I apply AndroGel?
• How long should I use AndroGel?
• What’s the difference between AndroGel’s pump and packets?

Boxed warning for AndroGel

AndroGel has a boxed warning for the risk of secondary exposure to testosterone. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Secondary exposure to testosterone occurs when products containing testosterone are unexpectedly transferred to a person that it wasn’t meant for. This can include children and females. (Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.)

Virilization has occurred in children who have touched AndroGel application sites or unwashed clothes that have been in contact with AndroGel. With virilization, children develop physical masculine traits that aren’t usual for their age. This can also occur in females who are exposed to testosterone. Due to this risk, children and females should not be exposed to AndroGel.

You can talk with your doctor to learn more about this warning.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.