What it's used for
Testosterone topical solution is used as replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone, such as primary or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
The starting dose is 60 mg of testosterone applied once daily each morning, split as one pump actuation to each axilla, after confirming low morning serum testosterone levels.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
Children who are secondarily exposed to topical testosterone products have experienced virilization, so children should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites.
Common side effects
The most common side effects include skin application site reactions, increased hematocrit, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and increased serum PSA.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other everything else medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Testosterone dosage and administration
Prior to initiating, TESTOPEL ® (testosterone pellets) confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism by ensuring that serum testosterone concentrations have been measured in the morning on at least two separate days and that these serum testosterone concentrations are below the normal range. The suggested dosage for androgens varies depending on the age, and diagnosis of the individual patient. Dosage is adjusted according to the patient’s response and the appearance of adverse reactions. The dosage guideline for the testosterone pellets for replacement therapy in androgen-deficient males is 150mg to 450mg subcutaneously every 3 to 6 months. Various dosage regimens have been used to induce pubertal changes in hypogonadal males;
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Testosterone side effects
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of testosterone replacement therapy, including TESTOPEL ® . Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Implantation Site Infection and Pellet Extrusion: (see WARNINGS) Endocrine and Urogenital, Male. Gynecomastia and excessive frequency and duration of penile erections. Oligospermia may occur at high dosages (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). Skin and Appendages. Hirsutism, male pattern of baldness, and acne. Cardiovascular Disorders. Myocardial infarction, stroke. Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances. Retention of sodium, chloride, water, potassium, calcium and inorganic phosphates. Gastrointestinal.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Who should not take testosterone
Androgens are contraindicated in men with carcinomas of the breast or with known or suspected carcinomas of the prostate. If administered to pregnant women, androgens cause virilization of the external genitalia of the female fetus. The virilization includes clitoromegaly, abnormal vaginal development, and fusion of genital folds to form a scrotal-like structure. The degree of masculinization is related to the amount of drug given and the age of the fetus, and is most likely to occur in the female fetus when the drugs are given in the first trimester. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking these drugs she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is testosterone covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Testosterone is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get testosterone through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
What is the usual dose of testosterone?
Prior to initiating, TESTOPEL ® (testosterone pellets) confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism by ensuring that serum testosterone concentrations have been measured in the morning on at least two separate days and that these serum testosterone concentrations are below the normal range. The suggested dosage for androgens varies depending on the age, and diagnosis of the individual patient. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of testosterone?
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of testosterone replacement therapy, including TESTOPEL ® . Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
Testosterone is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
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