If you have been prescribed AndroGel 1.62%, it is important to use it according to the instructions for this specific formulation. AndroGel 1.62% is applied once daily to the shoulders and upper arms, and its dose and application instructions differ from those of AndroGel 1%.
This medication guide explains how to use AndroGel 1.62%, including how many pumps to use, where to apply the gel, how to prepare the pump and precautions to reduce accidental testosterone exposure.
What is AndroGel 1.62%?
AndroGel 1.62% is a prescription testosterone gel used as testosterone replacement therapy in adult patients with male hypogonadism when testosterone deficiency has been clinically and biologically confirmed.
In Singapore, AndroGel 16.2 mg/g is registered as a prescription-only medicine. The Singapore National Drug Formulary lists a recommended adult dose of two pump actuations, equivalent to 40.5 mg of testosterone, applied once daily at approximately the same time, preferably in the morning.
Each pump actuation delivers 1.25 g of gel containing 20.25 mg of testosterone.
The dose may be adjusted by a doctor according to clinical and laboratory response, up to a maximum of four pump actuations (81 mg) per day.
How to Use AndroGel 1.62%
AndroGel 1.62% should be applied once daily at approximately the same time, preferably in the morning.
1. Start with clean, dry skin
Apply AndroGel 1.62% to clean, dry and healthy skin.
The recommended application areas are the right and left shoulders and upper arms.
2. Use your prescribed number of pumps
Each complete pump actuation delivers 20.25 mg of testosterone in 1.25 g of gel.
The usual starting dose is: 2 pumps = 40.5 mg of testosterone
However, your doctor may prescribe a different dose depending on your testosterone levels and treatment response.
Do not change the number of pumps yourself.
3. Apply the gel to your shoulders and upper arms
Spread the gel in a thin layer over the shoulders and upper arms.
It is not necessary to rub the gel vigorously into the skin.
AndroGel 1.62% should not be applied to the genitals. The Singapore product information specifically recommends application to the shoulders and upper arms.
4. Allow the gel to dry
Allow the gel to dry before getting dressed. The Singapore product information advises allowing approximately 3–5 minutes for the gel to dry.
5. Wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying AndroGel.
This helps reduce the risk of accidentally transferring testosterone gel to another person or another part of your body.
6. Cover the application area
Once the gel has dried, cover the application area with clothing.
This is an important precaution because testosterone can be transferred through direct contact with treated skin.
How Many Pumps of AndroGel 1.62% Should You Use?
The number of pumps depends on the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Each Androgel pump delivers 20.25 mg of testosterone.
|
Pump actuations |
Testosterone dose |
|---|---|
|
1 pump |
20.25 mg |
|
2 pumps |
40.5 mg |
|
3 pumps |
60.75 mg |
|
4 pumps |
81 mg |
The recommended starting dose in Singapore is 40.5 mg, or two pump actuations, once daily. The dose may subsequently be adjusted by your doctor based on your clinical response and testosterone blood test results.
The maximum recommended daily dose is 81 mg, or four pump actuations.
Do not increase or decrease your dose without medical advice.
Where Should You Apply AndroGel 1.62%?
AndroGel 1.62% should be applied to the:
- Right shoulder
- Left shoulder
- Right upper arm
- Left upper arm
The gel should be spread in a thin layer over the appropriate area.
Do not apply AndroGel 1.62% to the genitals
AndroGel 1.62% should not be applied to the penis or other genital areas. The high alcohol content of the gel may cause local skin irritation.
If you are unsure where to apply your prescribed dose, check your product instructions or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How Do You Use the AndroGel 1.62% Pump?
A new AndroGel 1.62% pump needs to be primed before the first dose.
Before the first dose
Hold the Androgel pump upright and slowly depress the pump actuator fully three times.
Discard the gel from these first three actuations safely.
Pump priming is only necessary before the first dose. After the pump has been primed, each complete actuation delivers 1.25 g of AndroGel 1.62% containing 20.25 mg of testosterone.
For subsequent doses
After priming:
- Fully depress the pump once for each prescribed actuation.
- Dispense the gel into the palm of your hand.
- Apply it to the shoulders and upper arms.
- Spread it in a thin layer.
- Allow the gel to dry for approximately 3–5 minutes.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Cover the application area with clothing.
Can You Apply AndroGel 1.62% to Your Stomach?
No.
AndroGel 1.62% should be applied to the shoulders and upper arms, not the abdomen.
This is an important distinction because AndroGel 1% and AndroGel 1.62% have different application instructions.
Singapore’s National Drug Formulary lists AndroGel 1% separately and specifies a different application site that includes the shoulders, arms and abdomen.
If you have been prescribed AndroGel 1.62%, do not use application site instructions intended for AndroGel 1%.
Can You Apply AndroGel 1.62% to the Penis or Scrotum?
No.
Do not apply AndroGel 1.62% to the penis, scrotum or other genital areas.
The product information specifically advises against genital application because the alcohol content of the gel may cause local skin irritation.
What Should You Do After Applying AndroGel?
After applying AndroGel 1.62%:
- Allow the gel to dry for approximately 3–5 minutes before getting dressed.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Cover the application area with clothing once the gel has dried.
- Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact between another person and the application area.
- Wash the application area thoroughly with soap and water before situations where contact with another person’s skin is expected.
These precautions help reduce the risk of accidental testosterone transfer.
Can AndroGel Transfer to Another Person?
Yes. Testosterone gel can be transferred to another person through direct contact with treated skin.
Women and children should avoid contact with unwashed or uncovered application sites.
To reduce the risk of secondary exposure:
- Wash your hands after applying the gel.
- Allow the gel to dry before getting dressed.
- Keep the application area covered with clothing.
- Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with the treated area.
- Wash the application area before anticipated skin-to-skin contact with another person.
If another person accidentally comes into contact with the application area, wash the affected skin with soap and water as soon as possible.
How is the AndroGel 1.62% Dose Adjusted?
Your doctor may adjust your AndroGel dose based on your testosterone blood test results and your clinical response.
The Singapore product information recommends determining the dose using morning testosterone concentration levels measured before applying the daily dose. Testosterone levels should be monitored periodically during treatment.
The dose may be adjusted in increments of one pump, from 20.25 mg to a maximum of 81 mg per day.
Do not increase your medication dose because you feel that the treatment is not working as expected. Speak with your doctor if you have ongoing symptoms or concerns about your treatment.
AndroGel 1% vs AndroGel 1.62%: What’s the Difference?
AndroGel 1% and AndroGel 1.62% both contain testosterone, but their doses and application instructions are different.
For example, the Singapore-registered AndroGel 1% product has a recommended starting dose of 50 mg (5 g of gel) and has different application instructions, while AndroGel 1.62% has a recommended starting dose of 40.5 mg (2 pumps) applied to the shoulders and upper arms.
The two formulations should not be treated as interchangeable.
If your prescription has changed from AndroGel 1% to AndroGel 1.62%, follow the instructions for your new formulation rather than continuing to use your previous medication dose or application routine.
Common Mistakes When Using AndroGel 1.62%
Using the wrong number of pumps
Each pump delivers 20.25 mg of testosterone. Use only the number of pumps prescribed by your doctor.
Applying it to the abdomen
AndroGel 1.62% should be applied to the shoulders and upper arms, not the abdomen.
Applying it to the genitals
Do not apply AndroGel 1.62% to the penis, scrotum or other genital areas.
Forgetting to wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying the gel.
Leaving the application area uncovered
Once the gel has dried, cover the application area with clothing.
Allowing another person to touch the treated skin
Take precautions to prevent direct skin-to-skin contact with the application area, particularly with women and children.
Changing the dose yourself
Your testosterone dose should be adjusted by your doctor based on your treatment response and testosterone levels.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose of AndroGel, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not apply additional gel to make up for a missed dose unless you have been specifically advised to do so.
If you are unsure what to do after missing a dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Is AndroGel 1.62% Suitable for Everyone?
AndroGel 1.62% is a prescription medicine used for testosterone replacement in adult patients with confirmed male hypogonadism. It is not appropriate for everyone.
Your doctor will assess your symptoms, testosterone levels, medical history and other relevant factors before deciding whether testosterone replacement is appropriate.
AndroGel is contraindicated in men with known or suspected prostate cancer or breast cancer, and in people with hypersensitivity to testosterone or any of the product’s ingredients.
Because testosterone treatment requires medical assessment and monitoring, do not start, stop or change treatment without speaking with your doctor.
When Should You Speak to Your Doctor?
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if:
- You are unsure how many pumps to use.
- You are unsure where to apply the gel.
- You accidentally apply the gel to the wrong area.
- You are concerned about possible testosterone exposure to another person.
- You experience troublesome or unexpected side effects.
- You think your dose may need to be changed.
- You have questions about your testosterone blood test results.
Your healthcare provider can advise whether your treatment or monitoring needs to be adjusted.
Medical Advice for AndroGel Treatment in Singapore
AndroGel 1.62% is a prescription testosterone treatment. If you have been prescribed AndroGel, follow the dose and application instructions provided by your doctor.
If you have questions about your testosterone treatment, including your prescribed dose, application technique or monitoring, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: Articles on Sire are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed doctor for personalised medical advice.
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