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Testogel - manufacturing and supply issues

Posted , 9 users are following.

Harveyj6
Harveyj6

After having three transfenoidal procedures for a Pituitary adenoma and a course of radiotherapy I am pleased to say I feel very well. However as part of my medication I have to take Hydrocortisone, Thyroxine, and Testosterone in the form of Testogel.

Unfortunately when collecting my last repeat prescription I was told by the pharmacy that there was a manufacturing issue  and that they would not be able to supply it. After visiting another private chemist I was able to get 1 box of 30 sachets but that was all. My practice substituted Tostran gel as a suitable alternative. The problem is the Tostran takes ages to dry. They advise not getting the area wet for 5 hours. This creates a lot of problems getting ready to go out as you can't get dressed until its dry. Getting to the gym and showering there is also a problem.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Not sure I fancy the Nibido twelve week injection as I am told there is a peak at the start and a possible trough at the end of the twelve weeks.

 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • dambudzo
    dambudzo Harveyj6

    Posted

    There might be some relevant information for you on the Pituitary Foundation website. Especially in the forum.
  • ndsmith38
    ndsmith38 Harveyj6

    Posted

    Testogel, made by Baring is not available in the UK at the moment apparently and there is no definite news as to when it could be available again.

    I have had to switch to Testim gel, made by Ferring, It comes in the same dose as Testogel but comes in small screw top tubes as opposed to the packets of Testogel. From my experience this past month it is stickier than Testogel and takes longer to dry. 

    A pump dispensing form of gel is also available called Androgel. 

  • ndsmith38
    ndsmith38 Harveyj6

    Posted

    The Testim gel does dry quick enough to use the same way as Testogel I have found, just a bit stickier.

    Personally I would prefer the Nebido injection and I intend to go back onto it soon. The 10 week interval works perfectly for me. I have zero testosterone without treatment so need something. 

  • martin29516
    martin29516 Harveyj6

    Posted

    I had a pituitary adenoma in 2004. At first I had sustanan injection every three weeks, which became uncomfortable and inconvenient to go to surgery every three weeks. Eleven years ago my doctor suggested I switched to Nabido as it was every 12 weeks. I am much happier on it and have no side effects. Personally I would recommend trying Nebido.
  • LEON72
    LEON72 Harveyj6

    Posted

    I have had a few months of not being able to get two boxes of Testogel. My pharmacist wanted to give me two canisters of Tostran. I had been on Tostran for about a year but I had testicular atrophy severely and allergic reaction to the gel.

    I am thinking of asking my urology consultant if I can go on quarterly injections. I have been five days without any Testogel and I could feel the side effects of not having any gel.

  • AndyR81
    AndyR81 Harveyj6

    Posted

    Bit late but a couple of points re Tostran.

    I’ve been using it for over 3 years and have no issues with it.

    I apply it to my chest every morning after I’ve showered and it dries within 10 minutes. 

    In terms of not getting it wet, it’s actually 2-3 hours, not 5. 

    It’s also stronger than Testogel, easier to dispense and can produce excellent results. My T levels went from in effect zero to and consistently staying in the mid 30s. I’ve primary hypogonadism. 

  • andrew84611
    andrew84611 Harveyj6

    Posted

    Hi Harvey

    Testogel is now supplied in the form a pump action tube. Each tube lasts for 30 days if you take the equivalent of one sachet a day. You can order 3 months supply. This is to allow people to adjust their dosage easier than if you were using a sachet. Hope this helps.  

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