Xyosted (testosterone enanthate) is a prescription drug used to treat low testosterone levels in certain people. The drug comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled autoinjector pens. It’s usually injected once per week.
Xyosted is used in adult males* to treat low testosterone levels. It’s prescribed for low testosterone caused by medical problems with the testicles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland.
The active ingredient in Xyosted is testosterone enanthate. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Xyosted belongs to a group of drugs called androgens.
This article describes the dosage of Xyosted, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Xyosted, see this in-depth article.
* In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
The table below highlights the basics of Xyosted’s dosage.
| Xyosted form | Xyosted strengths | Typical starting dosage |
|---|---|---|
| liquid solution inside prefilled, single-dose autoinjector pens | • 50 milligrams in 0.5 milliliters of liquid solution (50 mg/0.5 mL) • 75 mg/0.5 mL • 100 mg/0.5 mL | 75 mg injected once per week |
Keep reading for more details about Xyosted’s dosage.
What is Xyosted’s form?
Xyosted is available as a liquid solution given as an injection under your skin. The medication comes inside prefilled, single-dose autoinjector pens.
What strengths does Xyosted come in?
Xyosted comes in three strengths:
- 50 mg/0.5 mL
- 75 mg/0.5 mL
- 100 mg/0.5 mL
What are the usual dosages of Xyosted?
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for testosterone replacement therapy
The typical starting dosage of Xyosted for adults with low testosterone levels is 75 mg injected once per week.
After 6 weeks of this dosage, your doctor will check your testosterone levels. If needed, they’ll adjust your Xyosted dose and then check your testosterone levels again 6 weeks later.
Your doctor will continue to check your testosterone levels and adjust your Xyosted dose until the right dose for you is reached.
Is Xyosted used long term?
Yes, Xyosted is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
The dosage of Xyosted you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- your testosterone level
- whether you have bothersome side effects with Xyosted
Xyosted is available as a liquid solution given as an injection under your skin. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to give yourself these injections at home.
You should inject Xyosted once per week, on the same day each week. You can administer your injection at any time of day.
You should inject Xyosted into your abdomen, avoiding the area 2 inches around your belly button. Use a slightly different spot each week to avoid skin irritation.
For more detailed directions on how to inject Xyosted, see the printed instructions for use that come with your injections. The manufacturer’s website also has an instruction video on how to inject Xyosted.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Xyosted, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you miss a dose of Xyosted, inject it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take two doses together to make up for missing a dose, as this can increase your risk of side effects.
If you need help remembering to inject your dose of Xyosted, try using a medication reminder, such as downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not inject more Xyosted than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you inject too much Xyosted
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Xyosted. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Xyosted’s dosage.
Is Xyosted’s dosage similar to the dosages of testosterone cypionate?
No, these drugs are different forms of testosterone that are taken in different ways.
Testosterone cypionate is given by injection into a muscle. You’ll likely receive a dose of testosterone cypionate once every 2–4 weeks.
The dose in milligrams for each drug also differs. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them to learn more about how these drugs compare.
Can Xyosted be used for bodybuilding? If so, what’s the dosage?
No, Xyosted should not be used for bodybuilding. Because of this, the drug manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use.
Note that some athletes and bodybuilders may misuse Xyosted to improve performance. Misuse of Xyosted can cause dangerous side effects. These include mental health problems such as depression. The drug can also increase your blood pressure, which can raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Xyosted has a boxed warning about this risk. See the “Boxed warning” at the start of this article for more information.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the manufacturer of Xyosted. If your doctor recommends this drug for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Xyosted without your doctor’s recommendation. Only inject the drug exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:
- Should my Xyosted dosage change if I still have symptoms of low testosterone?
- Would a different dosage affect my risk of Xyosted side effects?
- Will my dosage need to change if I take other medications during my Xyosted treatment?
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.