Testosterone Pellet

Status

FDA-approved. FDA-approved labeling exists as Testopel for testosterone replacement in males with primary or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The label documents implantation site complications including extrusion, infection and fibrosis. Schedule III controlled substance.

What it is

An implanted testosterone pellet placed under the skin in clinic.

What published research measured

Crystalline testosterone pellets implanted subcutaneously, usually in the upper hip or buttock, releasing hormone over three to six months. The pharmacokinetic advantage is stability without frequent administration; the corresponding disadvantage is documented plainly in the literature and is worth understanding before choosing this route — once implanted, the dose cannot be adjusted or withdrawn, so an adverse response has to be waited out or the pellets surgically removed. Published series report pellet extrusion, infection at the implantation site, bleeding and fibrosis, with extrusion being the most common complication. Efficacy for the hormone itself is as described for the other routes.

Source

FDA labeling for Testopel; published series on pellet extrusion and site complications

Sources

• Testosterone cypionate label (DailyMed)