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Testosterone 2% gel (Testavan®, Testarzon®) in adult male hypogonadism: a profile of its use

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Abstract

Testosterone 2% (20 m/mL) transdermal gel (Testavan®, Testarzon®), is indicated to treat adult male hypogonadism, when testosterone deficiency has been confirmed by clinical features and biochemical tests. It is applied once daily using a hands-free applicator, with an initial recommended daily dosage equivalent to 23 mg testosterone, which may be increased to 46 or 69 mg/day. In clinical studies, once-daily application of Testavan 2% gel was associated with rapid and extensive absorption of testosterone, leading to normalization of testosterone levels in hypogonadal men. After application, testosterone levels achieve their peak in ≈ 2–4 h, then decrease to pre-application levels at ≈ 12 h, broadly mirroring the natural diurnal rhythm of male testosterone. Testavan 2% gel also improved sexual, physical and mental functioning, fatigue and health-related quality of life. The components of Testavan’s novel gel enhance the transdermal transfer of testosterone into the blood, allowing the application of lower doses of testosterone in smaller gel volumes relative to the application of other transdermal testosterone gels. Testavan 2% gel is applied using the applicator cap rather than by hand, reducing the potential risk of secondary transfer of testosterone.

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Acknowledgements

The manuscript was reviewed by: S. Arver, ANOVA-Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Trans Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; F.A. Cadegiani, Adrenal and Hypertension Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; C.N. Jayasena, Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK; N. Karsiyakali, Department of Urology, Ҁukurca State Hospital, Ҁukurca, Hakkâri, Turkey. During the peer review process, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the marketing-authorization holder of Testavan, was also offered an opportunity to provide a scientific accuracy review of their data. Changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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    Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson

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  1. Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson
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Correspondence to Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson.

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The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

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KA. Lyseng-Williamson is an employee of Adis/Springer, is responsible for the article content and declares no conflicts of interest.

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Lyseng-Williamson, K.A. Testosterone 2% gel (Testavan®, Testarzon®) in adult male hypogonadism: a profile of its use. Drugs Ther Perspect 35, 209–218 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-019-00627-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-019-00627-7

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