Androfast Gel is prescribed as a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in men. It contains a synthetic form of Testosterone as an active ingredient. It treats low Testosterone levels, a male hormone crucial for sexual function. Gufic Biosciences Limited manufactures this medication. Testosterone gel is FDA-approved for use only in men.
This gel is mainly used in adult men who have absent or low levels of testosterone, a condition known as Hypogonadism. It helps restore low Testosterone levels and improve symptoms associated with this condition. Regarding administering the medication, this gel can be used in different strengths, such as 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg of Testosterone daily. The starting dose varies from individual to individual, with 50 mg being generalized. So, consult a doctor who will recommend the correct dose based on your blood Testosterone levels.
Store the gel at room temperature. Keep away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of pets and children. Avoid freezing the gel. Moreover, it can have side effects that would subside once your body adjusts to the dosage. Frequent urination or difficulty in urinating are more common side effects.
Testosterone supplementation can interact with Oral Anticoagulants, such as Warfarin, and change their activity. It can lead to the risk of blood clotting. Furthermore, interaction with Corticosteroids, like Prednisone, may cause fluid retention. The gel can also moderately or mildly interact with Aspirin (a pain reliever), Bupropion (an Antidepressant), and Cialis (a medication for Erectile Dysfunction). In addition, caution should be exercised in individuals with Diabetes, as Testosterone is known to alter insulin sensitivity.
Androfast Gel is used as a topical androgen medication. Androgens are male sexual hormones, with Testosterone being one of them. It treats Hypogonadism, a condition with a low testosterone level. The gel is formulated to dry quickly when applied to clean skin. It gets absorbed into the skin and moves to the bloodstream. Then, it attaches to the Androgen receptors to increase the hormonal level.
The benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy are:
Androfast is a prescription hormone gel. A doctor would recommend the dosage based on the severity of Testosterone deficiency. The general dosage guidelines are as follows:
Currently, only substitutes are available at Cheap Medicine Shop, including:
| Cernos Gel 1%w/w | $3.03 / sachet |
| Cernos 40 Mg Soft Gelatin Capsule | $1.48 / unit |
| Cernos Depot 1000 Mg Injection | $44.00 / unit |
Like any other medication, Androfast gel also has some side effects. These effects are mostly mild and temporary. Given below are these effects:
Note: The gel is absorbed through the skin and can cause hormonal effects in children or women if they come into contact with the application site. So, avoid exposure by washing your hands properly.
Liver Disease
Although Testosterone gel doesn't go under liver processing, it can affect liver function as well as enzymes in case of severe liver disease. Therefore, use with caution.
Kidney Impairment
Caution is advised in cases of severe kidney impairment. Testosterone is known to cause fluid retention, which can be harmful for people with kidney conditions.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Exposure to Testosterone can harm a developing fetus by lowering nutrient transport. Therefore, avoid during pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should avoid it too, as it can harm the infant.
Avoid
Significant food interactions have not been reported with Testosterone gel. However, consume alcohol cautiously as excessive amount impacts liver functioning.
No, Testosterone Gel can not increase penis size in adult men. Growth of the penis only occurs during puberty. No recent study has proved the impact of hormonal gels on penis length in older men.
Testosterone gel increases hormone levels in the blood within 30 minutes of application. Peak effect is gained in 2-4 hours. However, improvement in libido, energy, and erection is noticed within 3-4 weeks. Maximum effects may take up to 6 months to appear with daily dosing.
Yes, Testosterone Gel can make sleep more difficult for some men. It typically happens during the initial weeks of the treatment as the body takes time to adjust to the dose. Frequent awakenings, vivid dreams, disturbed sleep, and night sweats have been reported in some men.
To improve the absorption of Testosterone Gel, apply it consistently at the same time every day. Avoid applying to irritated or broken skin. Allow sufficient drying time and wait at least 2 hours before skin-to-skin contact. Make sure to use the gel only on the recommended sites (shoulders and upper arm).
Testosterone Gel is generally recommended for the shoulders, as several medical studies have reported that application to this area leads to more stable and higher blood Testosterone levels than other sites, like the legs or chest. Also, shoulder skin is thick and less likely to be irritated.
Yes, Testosterone Gel generally needs to be administered for a long-term in men dealing with Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone). This is because the underlying condition causing this issue often persists. So, individuals need to use the gel for a long time to maintain normal levels of Testosterone.
If you stop using Testosterone Gel, symptoms of Low Testosterone are likely to return, such as mood changes, weight gain, fatigue, low libido, loss of muscle mass, and cognitive issues. Testosterone levels will gradually decrease after stopping the medication. Therefore, avoid abrupt discontinuation without a doctor's supervision.
Citation: Mayo Clinic