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Review
. 2014;6(4):265-269.
doi: 10.1007/s11930-014-0033-7.

A Review of Testosterone Pellets in the Treatment of Hypogonadism

Andrew McCullough  1
Affiliations
Review

A Review of Testosterone Pellets in the Treatment of Hypogonadism

Andrew McCullough. Curr Sex Health Rep. 2014.

Abstract

Currently, the most popular form of testosterone replacement is the topical gels that require daily applications and incur a risk of transfer of testosterone to partners and family. One of the problems with testosterone replacement is the short half-life of testosterone. A long-acting formulation is appealing to patients and physicians. In 1972, fused crystalline testosterone pellets were approved in the USA by the FDA but they were not marketed until 2008. Pharmacokinetics studies were available on a different formulation from which much can be learned and applied to the current formulation, Testopel®. The decay kinetics, pituitary suppression, and effect on other sex steroids are reviewed as well as the short-term complication rates. This review should provide the testosterone pellet implanter a better understanding of the physiology of testosterone pellet supplementation for hypogonadism.

Keywords: Aromatase inhibitor; Hypogonadism; Testosterone pellets.

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Conflict of interest statement

Andrew McCullough reports the receipt of personal fees from Auxillium, Endo, and Repros as well as grants from Lilly and grants and personal fees from Antares.

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