+ 4 Warning for those on TRT and use any kind of topical test
I had to learn this the hard way, which is why I wanted to put this out there. I know when most of us think of test cream, test gel, roll on test or any type of topically applied testosterone, we just consider it pussy shit! Even still, there are many regular people who use such forms of TRT on a regular basis, and I think they should know this.
Anyway, a while ago my doctor prescribed me one of these topical forms of testosterone, so I decided to give it a try. I was taking it for about 3 months and it had my test level in the high 400's, so yes I do think they are shit but that's besides the point here.
One day out of the blue, I was applying my topical test as normal, and within minutes I could tell something was wrong. My chest, upper arms, and all over my upper body I was turing dark red with blisters. Also, my eyes were all swollen almost shut, and my nose and face was swollen with red blisters and everything on my body was itching. I knew that I should take some benadryl and I had some expired ones in my cabinet, so I took 2 50mg tablets. Right after that I got driven to the hospital because it was so bad and I was really nervous.
When I got to the hospital, I explained to them what happened and what I took. My symptoms did seem like they were easing up somewhat from the benadryl, but they still gave me an additional 50mg of benadryl and 60mg of pepcid to prevent any swelling or other symptoms in my throat. After an hour of sitting in the ER my symptoms were continuing to ease up, and were so much better when they released me like 4 hours later with a couple benadryl and pepcid tablets to go home with. The benadryl is an antihistamine known as an H1 blocker, and the pepcid is an H2 blocker.
They explained to me that it was an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in the topical test, which I was obviously aware of. I told them that I was using the product for like 3 months, and they said that your body can have an allergic reaction like the one I had, even to a medication that you've been using for a long time without any problems.
So now I always make sure to have a bottle with some benadryl's and pepcid tablets nearby whenever taking an injection of any kind, or an ancillary or whatever. And especially if it's a new compound or medication that I've never used before! So for anyone who's using some topical form of testosterone, it might be a good idea to keep some benadryl nearby, just in case. It might actually even be a good idea for anyone taking any hormone compounds, ancillaries, peptides or whatever! Another post just reminded me of this.
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Glad you ok brother! Classic allergic reaction to something.
Alphamale500Thanks bro. Some scary shit though, when your face and eyes get swollen almost shut!
Yes it probably was one of the ingredients in the formula. But we would all be aware that this can occur from OTC medicines, or additives in foods that we are allergic too. It can occur as well from chemicals used on clothing, dryer patches etc. Fortunately these type of reactions are pretty rare! +
Alphamale500Yeah, the doctor at the hospital said that it was likely from one of the inert ingredients in the formula, and likely not the testosterone itself. But, he couldn't be 100% sure. Thank God these reactions are rare, right?
But carrying around or having close by, a bottle with some benadryl and pepcid tablets can really help save your life if God forbid you suffer from an allergic reaction to any compound, peptide, medication or whatever! They're really beneficial to have around. I'm actually very lucky that I had some around when this happened to me. Stay safe guys and gals!
P.S.: You can pick up a big bottle of generic benadryl (Diphenhydramine), at your local Walgreens or most any other drugstore for very cheap!
I've had patches, gels all of it was garbage. I like the needle.
Alphamale500Yeah I like the needle too. I actually love the needle at this point, and I can't wait to take my injections. Especially when you have very low test and when you realize what amazing effects testosterone has on your body. I can't imagine going back to living with low test.
Living4ThePumpWouldn't recommend topical to anyone. Such a pain in the a** because everyone will absorb it differently. If you have any thyroid issues on top, absorbing the topical cream through the skin will be even harder. Injections are the way to go IMO since absorption is no problem and you can even go with subQ injections if you don't like IM.
I took topical before too, during summer, it was hell. Couldn't shower or go swimming until 4 hours after putting that shit on as well as sweating was not possible. So working out in the morning was a no go. Injections make it so much easier, you have the amount of test in your system that you injected and don't need to worry about absorbing it properly. This makes tweaking of your protocol much easier do.
And of course cost factor is a big one. Topical is much more expensive than injections and guys often need high amounts of cream to achieve good levels of T.
Alphamale500I totally agree with everything you said about topical testosterone. However, the fact is that there are many ordinary people who don't juice, and use these topical test products on a regular basis. Those are the people that I wanted to write this for.
But like you said, topical test of all kinds can really be a pain in the ass especially if you have children that you play around with and hug. And your girl can get the test on her body too from close contact, while having sex, or however. It's too much of a pain in the ass for me as well.
I actually take this and I like it. I will take note of your experience moving forward. Been taking gels for at least 2 years and no problems thankfully besides ensuring that I wash my hands etc. Was once taking Axiron for about 20 months now I have the Androgel ftom the doctor
As we have learned. Best just to pin it.
Alphamale500100% agreed!
No doubt you really can develop allergies to stuff you've taken/eaten/come in to contact with daily - for years with no problems. I recently developed an allergy to peanut butter. Peanuts, just a few, don't bother me, but peanut butter brings my digestive system grinding to a halt. The doc said if I eat PB my body views it as a foreign invader and goes on the attack, so instead of digesting it my system tries to kill it like bacteria or a virus. Took a while to figure out what was causing it too so I suffered for a while since it never gave me problems in the past.
Glad your ok though bro, good thing you didn't go into anaphylactic shock. Smart taking the benadryl and keeping it handy.
Alphamale500Thanks bro. Yeah, it definitely scared the shit out of me that day! I think all of us who use especially underground injectables, orals, or whatever should keep some benadryl and pepcid close by for emergencies, God forbid. I'm always prepared since that day. I even keep a bottle with both in my car.
IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE HAVING A SERIOUS ALLERGIC REACTION, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CALL A DOCTOR OR 911! The following are just my personal opinions. If you are beginning to notice the early stages of an allergic reaction such as itchy hives, swelling of the eyes or face, or itching and closing of the throat, it would be a good idea to immediately take 100mg of diphenhydramine (benadryl) and 40mg of famotidine(pepcid). Even chewing the tablets will help your body absorb them a little faster. This will at least help to start reversing your symptoms, and help to prevent your symptoms from progressing to the full closing of your throat.
In some allergic reactions this may be all that is necessary, with maybe another dosing of each a few hours later. And in some cases, if you are having a very bad allergic reaction it may be necessary to go to the ER. But at least having some benadryl and pepcid to take immediately could really help you out in both cases, and even save your life.
As for the benadryl, you can buy a whole bottle of generic diphenhydramine 50mg tablets at your local drugstore very cheap. For the pepcid, you can usually find a pack of Pepcid AC, which contains just famotidine 20mg tablets. Generic famotidine will work fine also. But, you should really get the tablets that contain just famotidine, and not Pepcid Complete which also contains calcium and magnesium. Stay safe guys!
Glad your okay bro.
Weird how our body can just decide to become allergic to stuff all of a sudden.
Alphamale500Thanks bro. Yeah, until then, I always had the thinking that you're either allergic to something once you take it or you're not. Maybe some inert ingredient in the product I was using built up to a level where it affected me, who knows. But it's best to be prepared just in case!