Can testosterone be injected subcutaneously?
FAQYes. Xyosted, an FDA-approved testosterone enanthate auto-injector, is labeled for once-weekly subcutaneous injection in the abdomen (75 mg, titratable 50–100 mg). The classic testosterone labels — Depo-Testosterone and Delatestryl — are intramuscular only. A 2018 pharmacokinetic study found subcutaneous testosterone delivered exposure comparable to intramuscular injection.
Yes — there is an FDA-approved subcutaneous product
Xyosted (testosterone enanthate) is FDA-approved for testosterone replacement in adult men by once-weekly subcutaneous injection in the abdominal region. Its labeled starting dose is 75 mg once a week, adjustable to a range of 50 to 100 mg. That approval is the direct answer: testosterone can be injected subcutaneously, and there is a product specifically labeled for that route.
The classic labels are intramuscular only
The older testosterone ester labels are written for intramuscular use. Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) states intramuscular use only, and Delatestryl (testosterone enanthate) states “for intramuscular use only,” injected deep in the gluteal muscle. The subcutaneous route is specific to products such as Xyosted that are labeled for it.
What a pharmacokinetic comparison found
A 2018 pilot pharmacokinetic study (Wilson, Kiang, and Ensom, American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 75(6):351–358) compared subcutaneous and intramuscular testosterone injection in people on stable therapy. It reported that total testosterone exposure was comparable between the two routes (mean AUC 1.7 versus 1.9 nmol·days/L/mg, p > 0.05) and that the subcutaneous route was more tolerable. This is that study's finding, reported as such.
What this means
The named sources support that subcutaneous testosterone injection is an established, FDA-approved route (Xyosted) and that a published comparison found it delivered testosterone exposure comparable to intramuscular injection. Testosterone is a prescription medication and a controlled substance; route and dose are clinical decisions made with a licensed physician. This page is educational and describes what the documents say — it is not medical advice.
- Xyosted is FDA-approved for once-weekly subcutaneous testosterone (75 mg, 50–100 mg range).
- Depo-Testosterone and Delatestryl are labeled intramuscular only.
- A 2018 study (Am J Health-Syst Pharm 75(6):351) found SC exposure comparable to IM (AUC 1.7 vs 1.9, p > 0.05).
For estimated testosterone level curves modelled from published pharmacokinetic data across weekly and every-two-week schedules, see the Prof. Peptide app.
Related questions
Research use only. Not medical advice.