Determining when your Testogel prescription was issued is essential for maintaining continuity of testosterone replacement therapy and coordinating monitoring appointments. Testogel (testosterone gel) is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK for treating hypogonadism in adult males, classified as a Schedule 4 Part II controlled drug requiring careful prescribing oversight. Patients can access prescription records through multiple channels, including the NHS App, GP practice systems, pharmacy records, and formal subject access requests under UK data protection legislation. Understanding prescription timelines helps ensure treatment adherence, supports safety monitoring through regular blood tests, and enables effective communication with healthcare providers about your ongoing hormone replacement therapy.

Understanding Testogel Prescriptions in the UK

Testogel (testosterone gel) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) licensed in the UK for testosterone replacement therapy in adult males with hypogonadism. Testosterone is classified as a Schedule 4 Part II controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (Home Office), meaning it requires careful prescribing oversight due to its hormonal nature and potential for misuse. However, it is not subject to the stricter prescription-writing and safe-custody requirements that apply to Schedule 2 or 3 controlled drugs.

In the UK, Testogel can only be prescribed by registered medical practitioners. Initial prescriptions are typically issued by specialists in endocrinology, urology, or andrology following blood tests confirming low testosterone levels and clinical assessment of symptoms such as reduced libido, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, or mood changes. Some GPs with appropriate training may also initiate treatment according to local guidance. Ongoing prescriptions are often managed by GPs under shared-care arrangements once treatment is established and stable, though shared-care protocols vary by Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The prescribing process involves several stages: initial consultation and diagnosis, baseline investigations, prescription issue, and regular monitoring appointments. Baseline investigations typically include two separate early-morning total testosterone measurements (taken before 11 am) showing levels below the normal reference range for the laboratory, alongside appropriate clinical symptoms. Additional tests may include luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) if indicated, full blood count (FBC) to assess haematocrit and haemoglobin, and—depending on age and risk factors—prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE), typically for men over 40–50 years. Further investigations such as prolactin, ferritin, thyroid function, and pituitary imaging may be considered if clinically indicated. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) recommend that testosterone replacement therapy should only be initiated after confirming biochemical hypogonadism with two separate morning testosterone measurements and the presence of clinical features.

Prescription records are maintained within NHS systems and your GP practice records. Understanding when your Testogel was ordered is important for several reasons: ensuring continuity of treatment, monitoring prescription intervals for safety, coordinating follow-up blood tests, and maintaining accurate medication histories. Patients have a legal right to access their prescription records under UK data protection legislation (UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018), and several methods exist to retrieve this information through both digital and traditional channels.

How to Check When Your Testogel Was Prescribed

There are multiple practical methods to determine when your Testogel prescription was issued, each offering different levels of detail and accessibility.

NHS App and Online Services: The most convenient method for many patients is the NHS App, which may provide access to your prescription history where enabled by your GP practice. After logging in with your NHS login credentials, navigate to the 'Prescriptions' or 'Medicines' section. The information available varies by practice and clinical system, but may include:

• Date of prescription issue

• Prescribing clinician details

• Dosage and quantity prescribed

• Pharmacy where dispensed (if applicable)

• Repeat prescription schedules

The level of detail and how quickly records update depend on your GP practice's system configuration. If your prescription history is incomplete or unavailable via the NHS App, contact your GP practice directly.

Alternatively, if your GP practice uses Patient Access, SystmOnline, or similar platforms, you can log into these services to view your medication records. These systems typically display prescription dates, dosage instructions, and remaining repeats, though access levels and available information vary by practice.

Contacting Your GP Practice Directly: If you lack digital access or prefer personal assistance, telephone your GP surgery and request prescription history information. Reception staff can usually provide basic details, though you may need to speak with a practice pharmacist or GP for comprehensive information. Some practices require written requests for detailed medication histories.

Pharmacy Records: Your dispensing pharmacy maintains records of when prescriptions were dispensed and collected. High street pharmacies can print a medication history showing collection dates. Note that the dispensing or collection date may differ from the original prescription issue date, so if you need the exact date your GP issued the prescription, confirm this with your GP practice rather than relying solely on pharmacy records. This method is particularly useful if you consistently use the same pharmacy.

Prescription Packaging: Physical evidence remains valuable—check your Testogel packaging or the prescription label, which typically displays the prescription date, prescriber details, and dispensing date.

Testogel Prescription Timeline and NHS Processes

Understanding the typical timeline for Testogel prescriptions helps patients anticipate when orders occur and plan accordingly for continuity of treatment.

Initial Prescription Process: Following diagnosis of hypogonadism, the first Testogel prescription typically occurs during or shortly after your specialist consultation. This initial prescription is usually for a limited duration (commonly 1–3 months) to allow assessment of treatment response and tolerability. The prescribing clinician will specify the dosage according to the specific Testogel formulation. For example:

• Testogel 50 mg/5 g (1%) gel sachets: the usual starting dose is 50 mg testosterone (one sachet) applied once daily

• Testogel 16.2 mg/g gel (metered-dose pump): the usual starting dose is 40.5 mg testosterone (two pump actuations) applied once daily

Dosages are adjusted based on individual response and follow-up testosterone levels. Do not assume equivalence between different brands or formulations; always follow the specific instructions for your prescribed product as detailed in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) available via the electronic Medicines Compendium (emc).

Repeat Prescription Cycles: Once treatment is established and you are under shared care with your GP, repeat prescriptions follow a regular pattern. The duration of each prescription supply varies by GP practice policy and is not nationally mandated, but commonly includes 28-day or monthly supplies. Patients may receive automatic reminders when prescriptions are due if enrolled in their practice's reminder systems. Review appointments are typically scheduled every 3–6 months initially, extending to annually once treatment is stable, though intervals vary locally.

Monitoring Requirements: NICE CKS and the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) recommend specific monitoring schedules that influence prescription timing. Blood tests are typically required:

• Serum testosterone and haematocrit/haemoglobin: at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, then annually

• PSA and digital rectal examination (DRE): baseline and periodic monitoring guided by age and risk factors (typically for men over 40–50 years)

• Additional tests as clinically indicated

Prescription renewals often coincide with these monitoring appointments, as GPs may require recent blood results before issuing further supplies. Delays in blood test completion can therefore impact prescription timing.

Prescription Ordering Windows: Most GP practices require 2–3 working days' notice for repeat prescriptions, though this varies locally. The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) enables direct transmission to your nominated pharmacy, streamlining the process. Planning ahead prevents treatment interruptions, which is particularly important for hormone replacement therapy where consistency maintains stable testosterone levels. Check your GP practice's specific policy for repeat prescription requests and processing times.

Accessing Your Prescription History Through the NHS

The NHS provides several formal mechanisms for accessing comprehensive prescription records, each suited to different needs and circumstances.

NHS App—Digital Access: The NHS App represents the most accessible route for many patients. Available for download on iOS and Android devices, it requires identity verification via NHS login. Verification methods vary but typically involve providing personal details and may include photo identification or other checks. Once registered and where enabled by your GP practice, you can access your GP health record, including recent prescription information. The 'Medicines' or 'Prescriptions' section may display prescription history with dates, dosages, and prescriber information, though the completeness and timeliness of this information depend on your practice's system configuration. This service is available 24/7. If your prescription history is not available or incomplete via the NHS App, contact your GP practice for assistance.

Subject Access Requests (SAR): Under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, you have the legal right to request copies of your medical records, including detailed prescription histories. Submit a written SAR to your GP practice, specifying:

• Your full name and date of birth

• The specific information required (prescription records for Testogel)

• The time period of interest

• Preferred format (electronic or paper)

Practices must respond within one month without charge for standard requests, as outlined by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). This method provides the most comprehensive record, including clinical notes explaining prescribing decisions.

GP Practice Medication Reviews: Request a medication review appointment with your GP or practice pharmacist. These consultations provide an opportunity to discuss your complete prescription history, including when Testogel was initiated, dosage adjustments, and monitoring results. This approach combines information access with clinical guidance.

Summary Care Record (SCR): The Summary Care Record is an electronic record of key information from your GP record, including current medications, allergies, and adverse reactions. It is primarily designed for use by healthcare professionals across the NHS to support your care in urgent and emergency settings. Patients do not routinely view their own SCR directly via the NHS App; instead, you can access your GP health record via the NHS App where your practice has enabled this feature. If you experience difficulties accessing prescription information or notice discrepancies in records, contact your GP practice's data protection officer or practice manager for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions