Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: flaxhigh on April 29, 2019, 11:12:19 PM

Title: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: flaxhigh on April 29, 2019, 11:12:19 PM

Hi folks,

Is anyone getting their testim gel on the NHS? My GP prescribed it after Prof Studd recommended I try it, but only just got up to a fair amount of oestrogen/utrogestan so haven't been ready to try it.

Now the pharmacist says: the gel is no longer in production. Is she right? Does anyone else get it on the NHS? Is there an alternative? I don't think my GP will know. Only option is to return to Prof Studd and ask him but that costs mucho money...

Thanks!

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: Dotty on April 30, 2019, 05:29:18 AM

Yes Testim has been discontinued. The alternatives are Testogel (sachets are better than pump pack ) or Tostran pump pack. I have used both xx

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: Blue Kingfisher on April 30, 2019, 03:14:15 PM

Hi there,

I was also on Testim & have been moved onto the pump pack of Tostran.

Dotty, have you had better results with Testogel as opposed to Trostran as a brand or are you finding the dispensing mechanism of the sachets easier to use?

Thanks x

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: Dotty on April 30, 2019, 03:16:36 PM

Hi Blue Kingfisher

I've found both ok. I used the sachets and then they were discontinued so went onto Tostran. When the sachets came back onto the market I got a few of those as they are easier to take on holiday. I use the Tostran 3 or 4 times a week . Not sure which I prefer xx

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: Blue Kingfisher on April 30, 2019, 03:29:19 PM

Thanks Dotty, do you do one full pump each time you use the Tostran? I'm currently using about a pea-sized amount daily.....

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: Dotty on April 30, 2019, 03:38:18 PM

Yes I use 1 pump 3 times a week. X

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: Blue Kingfisher on April 30, 2019, 08:29:36 PM

And that doesn't give you a nasty surge...that's interesting & something I might try.

Thanks Dotty x

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: flaxhigh on April 30, 2019, 11:29:24 PM

Thanks everyone. I will ask the doc about getting on tostran.

When you say 'pump pack', bluekingfisher - do you mean it is a pump action tube? I think I'm supposed to put on a small smear of gel or whatever the pump pack now is.

Do you find it helps to add the testosterone? I'm doing HRT for bone health (I have osteoporosis sadly) and it's supposed to be good for that...but am a bit wary of using it. Plan to start very small and build up very slowly. Any advice about taking it would be gratefully received. x

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: Hurdity on May 01, 2019, 07:34:52 AM

I think you would be better off having the Testogel sachets as they are the same strength as Testim tubes. It is easier to get accurate dosing and a consistent level from daily use of pea-sized blob. Tostran is twice the strength - so I suppose a pea every other day would be the same - but come as pump pack so I've no idea what one pump looks like in terms of a pea! However many women are using this successfully like Dotty - I'm just giving my preference!

Hurdity  x

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: Dotty on May 01, 2019, 11:42:41 AM

Bluekingfisher - no I don't get a surge. It works fine for me.

When I was using Testogel I started on one sachet over 10 days and then moved to one sachet over 7 days ( after advice from consultant.) That meant I was using 50mg over 7 days. One pump of Tostran gives you 10mg of testosterone, so using it every other day gives you roughly the same .

I didn't really want to use Tostran but quickly got used to it. Trying to get a pea sized amount out of either the pump or the sachet will not give you the same amount every day . At the end of the day, it's what suits you best. Both have pros and cons xx

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: CLKD on May 01, 2019, 11:58:30 AM

U could ring Prof Studd too!

Title: Re: Was about to start Testim but pharmacist says it has been discontinued.
Post by: Blue Kingfisher on May 02, 2019, 11:30:09 AM

Hello Flaxhigh,

Yes, I mean a small pump canister. Like a pump dispenser for a face cream. I squirt a pea sized amount out & apply it daily. Is this what you've been advised to do?

I have no idea if the Tostran is really working for me or not but having seen this post....I might change my dosing to every other day (if it's twice the strength of Testim) & may consider switching to Testogel sachets.....