Testosterone transdermal gel (Testavan®, Testogel® or Tostran®)

 Testosterone gel for male primary hypogonadism in patients aged 18 years and over

 

AMBER INITIATION 

Recommended for initiation by specialists, ongoing prescribing in primary care.

Name generic (trade): Testosterone transdermal gel (Testavan®, Testogel® or Tostran®)

What it is: Transdermal testosterone

Indication: Licensed for Testosterone replacement therapy for adult male hypogonadism, when testosterone deficiency has been confirmed by clinical features and biochemical tests.

Date decision last revised: July 2025

 

HWE APC

 Testosterone gel is recommended for the treatment of adult male hypogonadism, where testosterone deficiency has been confirmed through both clinical symptoms and biochemical testing.

 

The RAG status of this medication is AMBER INITIATION – i.e. recommended for prescribing but only considered suitable for initial prescribing by specialists in Community, Secondary and Tertiary care (as agreed) with prescribing (and monitoring, where applicable) continued by GPs.

Testavan^® is currently the lowest cost formulation so should be considered first line in new patients. For existing patients, a switch to Testavan^® may be considered if clinically appropriate—for example, in cases where a dose change is required or there are issues with the current brand. Due to differences in strengths and absorption profiles among the available preparations, any switches should be led by the specialist.