12 Early Experience with Subcutaneous Injection of Non-Proprietary Testosterone as an Alternative Approach for Testosterone Replacement. Issue 1 (1st April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alter, K; Roadman, D; Amarasekera, C; Levine, L
• Is Part Of: Journal of sexual medicine. Volume 19:Issue 1(2022)Supplement
• Page Start: S6
• Page End: S7
• Publication Date: 2022-04-01
• Subjects: Sexual disorders -- Periodicals; Sex -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 616.69005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.01.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-6095

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been demonstrated to benefit men with a diagnosis of hypogonadism. We elected to offer a non-proprietary subcutaneous injection (subQ) using a ½ inch 27g needle for TRT as an alternative treatment for hypogonadism. Objective: To investigate the effect of subQ TRT in hypogonadal men, in order to compare satisfaction, HCT, and PSA levels to other forms of TRT. Methods: The study period was defined as the most recent follow-up appointment after beginning subQ TRT with a mean follow-up of 4.2 months (range 1-6 months). Variables were obtained prior to beginning subQ TRT and at last follow-up visit. Patients either began subQ TRT primarily or switched from another method. Additionally, patients completed a satisfaction survey. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 24. Associations between testosterone levels and clinical variables were analyzed by a univariate analysis. Results: 32 total patients received subQ TRT. Pre and post-subQ TRT testosterone levels (increased 299.7 +/- 61.5), HCT levels (increased 0.8 +/- 1.0%), PSA levels (increased 0.87 +/- 0.3 ng/mL), AUASS (decreased 3.7 +/- 1.7), and SHIM scores (increased 2.1 +/- 2.4) were recorded (Table 1). 21 patients received other forms of TRT prior to beginning subQ TRT and variables were collected and analyzed (Table 2). Overall, 21 patients completed the follow-up satisfaction survey. 19 (90.5%) were satisfied with subQ TRT and 2 (9.5%) patients attributed their dissatisfaction to greater symptom improvement on previous therapies (Testopel, Jatenzo). 11 (84.6%) patients reported better or same satisfaction on subQ TRT than with prior therapy. Furthermore, 8 (88.9%) patients said subQ TRT was easier to use than prior TRT injection (Intramuscular and Testopel), while 1 (11.1%) patient preferred fewer treatments with Testopel. Lastly, all patients reported subQ TRT as less painful during administration. Conclusions: SubQ TRT led to higher testosterone levels, positive satisfaction scores, and improved AUASS and SHIM scores at most recent follow-up. There was also no significant change to HCT or PSA levels. Ongoing monitoring focusing on longer duration of follow-up, erythrocytosis, satisfaction, and side effects are being conducted and will be reported. Disclosure: No