Evidence Hub

Accuracy of testosterone concentrations in compounded testosterone products

Grober ED, Garbens A, Božović A, Kulasingam V, Fanipour M, Diamandis EP

The journal of sexual medicine, 2015

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the testosterone concentrations within testosterone gels and creams manufactured by compounding pharmacies.

METHODS: Ten compounding pharmacies within Toronto area were included. Pharmacies were blinded as to the nature of the study. A standardized prescription for 50 mg of compounded testosterone gel/cream applied once daily was presented to each pharmacy. Two independently compounded batches were analyzed from each pharmacy 1 month apart. Testosterone concentrations in a 5-g sachet of Androgel® 1% (Abbott) and 5-g tube of Testim®1% (Auxilium) were evaluated as controls. Samples were analyzed independently and in a blinded fashion by the Laboratory Medicine Program at the University Health Network. Measurement of testosterone concentration was performed using a modified liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry validated for serum testosterone.

RESULTS: Compounded formulations included seven gels and three creams with a volume/daily dose ranging from 0.2 mL to 1.25 mL. Product cost ranged from $57.32 to $160.71 for a 30-day supply. There was significant variability both within and between pharmacies with respect to the measured concentration of testosterone in the compounded products. In contrast, the concentration of testosterone within Androgel and Testim was consistent and accurate. Collectively, only 50% (batch 1) and 30% (batch 2) of the compounding pharmacies provided a product with a testosterone…

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free