The duration a bottle of Testogel lasts depends on your prescribed daily dose and the formulation dispensed. Testogel (testosterone gel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to treat testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) in adult men. It is applied topically once daily and absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. In the UK, Testogel is available as 50mg sachets (typically providing a 30-day supply at standard dosing) or as a 16.2mg/g pump bottle, where duration is calculated by dividing total actuations by your prescribed daily actuations. Your clinician will individualise your dose based on clinical and biochemical response, meaning supply duration may vary between patients.

How Long Does a Bottle of Testogel Last?

The duration a bottle of Testogel lasts depends primarily on your prescribed daily dose and the formulation dispensed. Testogel (testosterone gel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to treat testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) in adult men. It is applied topically to the skin once daily and absorbed through the epidermis into the bloodstream.

It's important to distinguish between the two main Testogel formulations available in the UK:

• Testogel 50mg sachets (1% gel): Each sachet contains 5g gel with 50mg testosterone. A 30-sachet pack typically provides a 30-day supply at standard dosing.

• Testogel 16.2mg/g gel pump: Each pump actuation delivers 20.25mg testosterone. The number of actuations per bottle is specified in the product information, with duration calculated by dividing total actuations by your prescribed daily actuations.

Your clinician will prescribe a specific number of sachets or pump actuations based on your individual needs. The MHRA-approved product information states that treatment should be individualised based on clinical and biochemical response, meaning your dose—and consequently how long your supply lasts—may be adjusted during follow-up appointments.

It is important to use Testogel exactly as prescribed by your GP or endocrinologist. Using more than recommended will not improve results faster and may increase the risk of adverse effects, including raised haematocrit (elevated red blood cell count), oedema, increased blood pressure, and mood changes. Conversely, using less than prescribed may result in inadequate symptom control. If you find yourself running out of Testogel before your next prescription is due, or if you have medication remaining when a repeat prescription is scheduled, contact your prescribing clinician to discuss whether your dosing regimen requires adjustment.

Testogel Dosage and Bottle Sizes Available in the UK

Testogel is available in the UK in several formulations and strengths, all licensed by the MHRA. Understanding the available options helps patients and healthcare professionals calculate supply duration accurately.

Common formulations include:

• Testogel 16.2mg/g gel pump: Each pump actuation delivers 20.25mg testosterone. The bottle contains the number of actuations specified in the current SmPC (Summary of Product Characteristics). Refer to your product packaging or ask your pharmacist for the exact number in your dispensed product.

• Testogel 50mg sachets (1% gel): Each single-use sachet contains 5g gel with 50mg testosterone

• Testogel 25mg sachets (1% gel): Smaller sachets containing 2.5g gel with 25mg testosterone

The standard starting dose for Testogel 1% sachets is typically 50mg testosterone daily (one 5g sachet). For the Testogel 16.2mg/g pump, dosing begins with whole pump actuations as specified in the SmPC, with each actuation delivering 20.25mg testosterone.

Dosing may be adjusted based on serum testosterone levels measured 2–4 weeks after initiation and then periodically thereafter. Dose adjustments should follow the product-specific guidance—for the pump formulation, this means increasing or decreasing by whole pump actuations only.

For a patient using the Testogel 16.2mg/g pump, calculate how long your supply will last using this formula: total number of actuations in the bottle ÷ number of actuations prescribed daily. Patients using sachets will receive a box quantity corresponding to their monthly requirement—typically 30 sachets for a 50mg daily dose.

Your prescription label should clearly state both the dose and quantity supplied. If there is any uncertainty about how much to apply or how long your supply should last, contact your community pharmacist or prescribing doctor before making adjustments independently.

Factors That Affect How Quickly You Use Testogel

Several factors influence how rapidly you deplete your Testogel supply, some related to the medication itself and others to individual usage patterns.

Prescribed dose variation is the primary determinant. Testosterone replacement therapy is highly individualised. Your clinician will adjust your dose based on symptom response and biochemical monitoring (serum testosterone, haematocrit, prostate-specific antigen). Patients with severe hypogonadism or those who metabolise testosterone rapidly may require higher doses, consuming their supply more quickly. Conversely, older patients or those with comorbidities may be maintained on lower doses for safety reasons.

Application technique can inadvertently affect usage. Testogel should be applied to clean, dry, intact skin—for the 1% sachets, this includes shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen; for the 16.2mg/g pump, application is limited to shoulders and upper arms only. Never apply to the genital area. Some patients may apply more gel than prescribed, believing it will enhance efficacy, or may reapply if they perceive inadequate absorption. This is not recommended and wastes medication. The gel should be spread thinly and allowed to dry completely before dressing.

Pump mechanism usage requires attention to the manufacturer's instructions. The pump requires priming before first use according to the SmPC instructions. Once primed, each actuation should deliver a consistent dose. Count your actuations carefully to track usage and ensure you're applying the prescribed amount.

Spillage or wastage can occur, particularly with sachets. If a sachet is accidentally torn or gel is spilled during application, that dose is lost. Patients should open sachets carefully and squeeze out all contents. With pump bottles, ensure the pump head is properly attached and actuate fully to deliver the correct dose.

If you consistently run out of Testogel before your prescription interval, discuss this with your GP rather than rationing doses, as suboptimal testosterone levels may result in symptom recurrence.

Getting Your Testogel Prescription Renewed on the NHS

Obtaining regular Testogel supplies through the NHS requires coordination between your GP surgery, specialist services (if applicable), and community pharmacy. Understanding this process helps ensure continuity of treatment.

Initial prescribing typically occurs following diagnosis of hypogonadism by either a GP with special interest in men's health or an endocrinologist. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary guidance recommends that testosterone replacement should only be initiated after two early-morning serum testosterone measurements (taken before 11:00) confirm deficiency, alongside appropriate clinical symptoms. Once initiated, specialist services may manage the first few months before transferring prescribing responsibility to your GP under a shared care agreement, though arrangements vary by local area.

Repeat prescription arrangements should be established once your dose is stabilised. Most GP surgeries operate electronic repeat prescription systems accessible via NHS App, online patient portals, or written request. You should request your repeat prescription 7–10 days before running out to allow processing time. Specify "Testogel" along with your dose and formulation (pump or sachet) to avoid dispensing errors.

Monitoring requirements may affect prescription frequency. UK guidelines recommend checking haematocrit and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at baseline and periodically thereafter, with frequency based on age and risk factors. Your GP may time prescription renewals to coincide with blood test appointments, ensuring safety monitoring occurs before issuing further supplies. If blood results show concerning changes (e.g., haematocrit ≥0.54), your prescription may be temporarily withheld pending clinical review.

Prescription duration varies by practice policy. Some GPs issue 28-day supplies, whilst others may prescribe 2–3 months at once for stable patients. If you travel frequently or have difficulty attending the pharmacy regularly, discuss extended prescription intervals with your GP.

Should you experience difficulties obtaining supplies—such as medication shortages or administrative delays—contact your surgery promptly. Never discontinue Testogel abruptly without medical advice, as this may cause symptom recurrence.

Storing Testogel Safely and Checking Expiry Dates

Proper storage of Testogel is essential for maintaining medication efficacy and preventing accidental exposure to others, particularly women and children, for whom testosterone exposure carries significant risks.

Storage conditions should follow the specific guidance in the product's SmPC. For Testogel products, check your specific formulation's package leaflet, as requirements may vary. Generally, keep Testogel at room temperature, away from direct heat sources and sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze the gel, as this may alter its consistency and absorption properties. Store bottles and sachets in their original packaging until use to protect from light. Keep all testosterone preparations in a secure location, ideally a locked cabinet, out of reach of children and pets.

Expiry date monitoring is crucial for medication safety. Check the expiry date printed on the bottle or sachet box when you collect your prescription from the pharmacy. The expiry date indicates the last day the manufacturer guarantees full potency when stored correctly. Do not use Testogel beyond this date, as degraded testosterone may be less effective. For pump bottles, check the SmPC for any in-use shelf-life limitations after opening. If you notice any change in the gel's colour, consistency, or odour, do not use it and return it to your pharmacy.

Preventing secondary exposure is a critical safety consideration. Testosterone can transfer from your skin to others through direct contact, potentially causing virilisation in women (unwanted hair growth, voice deepening) and premature puberty in children. After applying Testogel:

• Allow the application site to dry completely before dressing

• Cover the area with clothing

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

• Follow the formulation-specific guidance on washing the application site—for Testogel 16.2mg/g, avoid washing for at least 2 hours; for Testogel 1%, avoid washing for at least 1 hour

• Wash the application site before any anticipated skin-to-skin contact with others

Disposal of unused or expired Testogel should follow NHS guidance: return unwanted medication to any community pharmacy for safe disposal. Never dispose of testosterone gel in household waste or pour it down drains, as it may contaminate water supplies and affect aquatic wildlife.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Frequently Asked Questions