Testosterone Pellets: Uses & Side Effects

Locations:

AdvertisementAdvertisement

Testosterone pellets increase levels of testosterone in your body. Testosterone is a hormone that your testicles or ovaries mainly produce. A healthcare provider will place this medication under your skin.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

TESTOSTERONE (tes TOS ter one) is used to increase testosterone levels in your body. It belongs to a group of medications called androgen hormones.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Testopel

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Breast cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung disease
• Prostate cancer, enlargement
• An unusual or allergic reaction to testosterone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

This medication will be inserted under your skin by your care team.

A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Contact your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Try not to miss a dose. Your care team will tell you when your next dose is due. Notify the office if you are unable to keep an appointment.

• Medications for diabetes
• Medications that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Propranolol
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone

Advertisement

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. They will need to check the level of testosterone in your blood.

Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of this medication. Get emergency help if you develop signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.

Call your care team if you notice a change in the way this medication is working. It is possible that the pellets may accidentally fall out.

This medication is banned from use in athletes by most athletic organizations.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Increase in blood pressure
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Mood swings, irritability, or hostility
• Prolonged or painful erection
• Sleep apnea—loud snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime sleepiness
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Acne
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Unexpected breast tissue growth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This medication will be inserted under your skin by your care team. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Advertisement

Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.

Copyright ©2026 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

AdvertisementAdvertisement

Ad