Written by
Science & Humans
Testosterone enanthate is generic that costs less, injected intramuscularly, usually deep into buttock muscles. Or thighs if self injecting, contains preservatives like benzyl benzoate, or benzyl alcohol and available in multi-use doses and single use ampoules. Frequency – daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
Xyosted is branded testosterone enanthate is a weekly, pre-filled single dose auto-injector, injected subcutaneously (under the skin - stomach), costs more. FDA approved for single use only and does not contain preservatives.
Both testosterone enanthate and Xyosted are testosterone injections that treat symptoms of hypogonadism, testosterone deficiencies from other medical conditions, FTM transition. Body builders also use testosterone enanthate to increase muscle mass. It is illegal for athletes to use such steroids to boost performance.
How does Dosage differ?
Xyosted cis available only as single use auto injector in standard 50mg/0.5mL, 75mg/0.5ml, and 100mg/0.5ml concentration without any preservatives, administered weekly..
Enanthate comes in single use ampoules and *multi dose vials with a preservative. The actual dosage prescribed differs based on several parameters including micro dosing.
Micro dosing would mean taking injections daily to mimic natural testosterone production to avoid peaks and valleys.
The frequency and dosage both can differ from person to person, as such there is no standard dosage.
*Multi-dose vials should be used only for one patient and never shared with another person. The CDC has good info on protocols of using multi-use vials.
Efficacy
While both medications start working immediately, it takes about 6 weeks for testosterone levels to stabilize. So it is essential to wait for at least 6 weeks to determine if change in dosage or frequency or both is required. It might take a few months to find the right dosage that works
Since generic enanthate is intra-muscular, effect on muscles is seen faster while subcutaneous xyosted will show faster results in sexual drive, erections that lasts longer.
Enanthate vs Xyosted – Side Effects
Testosterone Enanthate generic has been used for a long time and side effects are minimal and highly manageable.
Allergies to the preservative or the oil used, may cause itching and bruising, swelling, lumps around the injection site. Xyosted is only sesame oil based whereas, generic testosterone enanthate comes in different oils like cotton seed, peanut oil, sesame oil, olive oil etc.
Changing injection sites is important, this also prevents bruising of the surrounding tissue from frequent injections.
Xyosted should not be injected into muscle or vein since the body cannot metabolize it this way. It has to be only under the skin. Care should be taken not to use xposed on scars or bruised sites as this will result in uneven absorption.
Risk of abuse may be higher in xyosted, more blood tests than generic testosterone enanthate at regular intervals are necessary with xyosted to monitor testosterone & nutrient levels.
The most common side effects of XYOSTED include: red blood cell increase, prostatic specific antigen (PSA) increase (a blood test for prostate cancer), increased blood pressure, and injection site reactions including bruising, bleeding, redness and headache.
Other side effects include more erections than are normal for you or erections that last a long time. More side effects for xyosted can be found on their website.
Xyosted cannot be used for following:
- If you are a man who has breast cancer
- Have or might have prostate cancer
- Are a woman who is pregnant. It may harm your unborn baby
- Allergic to testosterone or sesame oil
- Have low testosterone without certain medical conditions. For example, low testosterone levels due to old age.
Very important to inform the doctor about following:
High blood pressure or heart problems, high red blood cell count, urinary problems due to an enlarged prostate, kidney or liver problems, a history of mental health illness including suicidal thoughts or actions, depression, anxiety or mood disorder, or problems breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea).
Using XYOSTED with other medicines can affect each other. Especially, tell your healthcare provider if you take insulin, medicines that decrease blood clotting (blood thinners), corticosteroids or medicines for pain and cold.
It is important to disclose medical conditions, prescription meds taken, and vitamins, supplements - herbal or otherwise during consultation to determine suitability for TRT therapy. You can ask the pharmacist for a list of medications if you are not sure.
It is always good practice to have such a list while consulting and also show to pharmacists whenever new meds are prescribed.
A good faq + protocol for multi-dose medication: Visit CDC GOV
A detailed medical history is taken at Science&Human to make sure contraindications & allergies, other health conditions and medications used are harmonious and do not cause problems.
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FAQs
What is the difference between Testosterone Enanthate and Xyosted?
Testosterone Enanthate and Xyosted are both testosteronebased treatments used to address low testosterone levels caused by hypogonadism, medical conditions, and genderaffirming hormone therapy. However, they differ in formulation, method of administration, and cost. Testosterone Enanthate is a generic form typically injected intramuscularly into the buttock or thigh and is available in multidose vials (with preservatives) and singleuse ampoules. Xyosted, on the other hand, is a branded weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin, usually in the abdomen) delivered via a singleuse prefilled autoinjector. Xyosted is preservativefree, costs more, and is FDAapproved specifically for weekly subcutaneous use.
How do dosage and frequency vary between the two?
Xyosted is available in fixed dosages—50mg, 75mg, and 100mg per 0.5mL—and is designed to be administered once a week. In contrast, Testosterone Enanthate offers more flexibility, with dosages and injection frequency (daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly) tailored to individual needs. Some users follow microdosing protocols with daily low doses to better mimic the body’s natural testosterone production, aiming to avoid hormonal peaks and troughs. The actual dose and frequency for Enanthate depend on various factors like age, weight, medical history, and treatment goals, and are usually adjusted over time by a physician.
Why do some patients prefer microdosing with Testosterone Enanthate?
Microdosing involves administering small amounts of testosterone more frequently—often daily—to closely replicate the body’s natural hormone production pattern. This approach is commonly used with Testosterone Enanthate due to its flexibility in dosing. Microdosing can help maintain steady testosterone levels, reduce side effects associated with hormone fluctuations, and improve patient comfort. It’s particularly useful for those who experience mood swings, fatigue, or other symptoms when hormone levels peak and drop between infrequent injections.
How long does it take for either medication to show results?
While both medications begin to act in the body shortly after injection, it usually takes about six weeks for testosterone levels to stabilize. Patients are advised to wait at least this long before making any changes to the dose or frequency. In terms of effects, intramuscular Testosterone Enanthate tends to show faster physical results, such as increased muscle mass, whereas Xyosted often yields quicker improvements in sexual drive and function due to the subcutaneous delivery method. However, full benefits may take several months to manifest as the correct dosage is finetuned.
What are the possible side effects of Testosterone Enanthate and Xyosted?
Both medications are generally welltolerated, but side effects can occur. For Testosterone Enanthate, these may include localized itching, swelling, or lumps due to allergic reactions to preservatives or oils (like cottonseed, sesame, peanut, or olive oil). Xyosted, which uses sesame oil and no preservatives, can cause redness, bruising, bleeding at the injection site, increased red blood cell count, elevated PSA levels, high blood pressure, and prolonged or frequent erections. It's crucial to rotate injection sites regularly to prevent tissue damage and to avoid injecting Xyosted into scars or bruised areas, which can lead to uneven absorption.
Who should avoid using Xyosted?
Xyosted is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used by men with breast or prostate cancer, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, or individuals allergic to testosterone or sesame oil. Additionally, Xyosted is not indicated for men with agerelated low testosterone levels unless associated with a medical condition. Prior to starting therapy, patients must inform their healthcare provider about conditions such as high blood pressure, heart issues, sleep apnea, mental health concerns, kidney or liver problems, and an enlarged prostate. Xyosted may interact with other medications, particularly insulin, blood thinners, corticosteroids, and certain pain medications.
Can multidose vials of Testosterone Enanthate be shared between patients?
No, multidose vials of Testosterone Enanthate are strictly for use by a single patient and should never be shared. Sharing vials poses a serious risk of crosscontamination and infection. The CDC has detailed protocols on the correct handling and administration of multidose vials to ensure safety. Always consult healthcare providers for proper usage instructions, and dispose of needles and syringes as recommended to prevent misuse or accidental injury.
What precautions should be taken before starting testosterone therapy?
Before beginning any testosterone replacement therapy, whether using Enanthate or Xyosted, a thorough medical evaluation is essential. This includes disclosing all current medications—prescription, overthecounter, vitamins, and herbal supplements—as well as a complete medical history. Special attention is needed for conditions like high red blood cell count, cardiovascular issues, mental health disorders, and breathing problems such as sleep apnea. Regular monitoring, including blood work, is crucial to track testosterone levels and ensure overall health during treatment. Clinics like Science\&Human prioritize comprehensive screening to identify contraindications and ensure the safest, most effective care plan.
