Androderm and Itching: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• February 10, 2011

For Hypogonadism, Male "My doctor started me off on 5 mg patches. The patches created itchy, red 'polka dots' on my body. The red areas were about one and one-half inches in diameter. They frequently itched, and sometimes the red area would become irritated and swollen. The worst part is that it took at least two weeks for the spots to disappear. I stopped using the patches after one month. I asked my doctor for AndroGEL. The gel does not give me any irritation at all. The gel comes in small, pre-measured packets. After applying, you must then wash your hands. With the patches, I didn't need to disrobe to apply them. With the gel, you pretty much need to remove your shirt (or pants) so that you can rub the gel into your skin."

• kma...
• December 25, 2011

For Hypogonadism, Male "I have been using the Androderm 2.5 patch for 45 days. My testosterone level has been 241 for the past several years. The first 30 days, I had zero side effects. I have noticed in the past two weeks I am developing rashes, raised red 'bumps,' itching, and swelling in the areas where I used the patch. This condition is actually considered a serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention. I have developed one particular area on my thigh that has become enlarged with intense itching. If it does not improve within 24-48 hours, I will report to the Emergency Room at my local VA. I will request my doctor to switch me to the gel, which reviews indicate a distinct odor, but that would be much less intrusive than these current side effects."

• Scu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2016

For Hypogonadism, Male "39 y.o. male. Diagnosed with hypogonadism following a rather rapid loss of erections in Nov. 2015. Unable to maintain a normal erection. Loss of libido. Doctor found low testosterone as the issue. Levels were between 175 and 275; free testosterone at 6.2. I was prescribed Androderm 2 mg patches and wore them for three weeks. Brought my T levels up to 350. My urologist upgraded me to the 4 mg patch and wore those for approximately 2 weeks. While on the 2 mg patch, I noted irritation at the site beginning after about 7-10 days. I was rotating application sites as instructed, but the reaction continued to get worse. Ended up switching to Axiron because the reaction to the patches was becoming severe/extreme. I was covered in itchy spots."

• Oli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2020

For Hypogonadism, Male "After using Androgel for five years, my body stopped responding to it. We switched to Androderm, and it works perfectly. I finally feel like every other 25-year-old guy, I have a normal appetite, and I feel well-rested in the morning. The only downside to it is the intense skin rashes, they itch and burn like crazy. My skin is swollen and red with occasional blisters, but it's manageable."

• Rob...
• December 10, 2015

For Hypogonadism, Male "Way too itchy. I can barely leave it on. I tried it for a week straight, and at the end of the week where I had the patches, started to bubble up like a blister. Extremely painful for prolonged use."