Standard Bottle Sizes for Testosterone Gel
Testosterone gel is supplied in multiple formulations with varying bottle/packet sizes, but the most common presentations are 75g metered-dose pump bottles (delivering 60 doses of 1.25g each for 1.62% formulation) or boxes of individual packets containing 2.5g to 5g per packet (for 1% formulations). 1
Available Formulations and Package Sizes
AndroGel 1%
- Supplied as 2.5g packets containing 25mg testosterone 1
- Typical dose range: 50-100mg daily (2-4 packets) 1, 2
- Applied to skin of back, abdomen, upper thighs, and upper arms 1
AndroGel 1.62%
- Supplied as 1.25g packets containing 20.25mg testosterone 1
- Also available as metered-dose pump bottles 1
- Typical dose range: 20.25-81mg daily 1
- Applied to same anatomical sites as 1% formulation 1
Testim 1%
- Supplied as 5g packets containing 50mg testosterone 1
- Typical dose range: 50-100mg daily (1-2 tubes) 1
- Applied to skin of back, abdomen, upper thighs, and upper arms 1
Fortesta 2%
- Supplied as metered-dose pump delivering 10mg per actuation 1
- Typical dose range: 10-70mg daily 1
- Applied to skin of front and inner thighs 1
Axiron 2% Solution
- Supplied as metered-dose pump delivering 30mg per actuation 1
- Typical dose range: 30-120mg daily 1
- Applied using applicator to axillary skin 1
Clinical Considerations for Formulation Selection
Transdermal gels provide more stable day-to-day testosterone levels compared to intramuscular injections, which experience peaks 2-5 days post-injection and return to baseline by days 10-14. 3, 2
Advantages of Gel Formulations
- Easy application with good skin tolerability 1, 2
- More consistent testosterone levels without the fluctuations seen with biweekly injections 3, 2
- Lower risk of erythrocytosis compared to injectable testosterone (15.4% with patches vs 43.8% with IM injections) 2
Disadvantages of Gel Formulations
- Potential for transfer to partners or children through skin-to-skin contact 1, 2
- Significantly more expensive than injectable formulations (annual cost $2,135 for transdermal vs $156 for intramuscular) 1, 2
- Requires daily application compliance 2
Dosing and Monitoring
Initial dosing typically starts at 50-100mg daily for 1% formulations, with testosterone levels measured 2-3 months after initiation or any dose change. 1, 2
- Target mid-normal testosterone levels of 450-600 ng/dL 2
- Once stable levels achieved, monitor every 6-12 months 3, 2
- Monitor hematocrit periodically, withholding treatment if >54% 3, 2
- Monitor PSA in men over 40 years 3, 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not assume all gel formulations are interchangeable—the 1.62% formulation delivers more testosterone per gram of gel than the 1% formulation, requiring different dosing. 1, 4
Counsel patients on transfer risk—gel must dry completely before contact with partners or children, and application sites should be covered with clothing. 1, 2
Application site matters for absorption—arms/shoulders provide superior absorption compared to chest/abdomen or legs, with testosterone levels achieving A > C ≥ L. 5