Natesto (testosterone) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for testosterone replacement in adults. Natesto comes as a nasal gel that’s typically applied three times per day.
Natesto is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat low or missing testosterone in adult males* due to primary hypogonadism or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism that’s present at birth or happens later in life.
Natesto belongs to a drug class called androgens. Natesto is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Natesto, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Natesto, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Natesto provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Natesto, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Below is information about Natesto’s form, strength, and dosage.
Natesto form
Natesto comes as a nasal gel in a metered dose pump that you apply inside your nostrils.
Natesto strength
One container of Natesto contains 11 grams (g) of gel. This is enough for 60 metered doses. Each metered dose of the pump contains 5.5 milligrams (mg) of testosterone in 0.122 g of gel.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for testosterone replacement therapy
Doctors may prescribe Natesto to replace low or missing testosterone.
If your doctor prescribes Natesto for low or missing testosterone, your dose will likely be 11 mg. You’ll receive this dose with 2 full presses of the Natesto pump (one 5.5-mg pump in each nostril). Typically, you’ll use this three times per day for a total daily dose of 33 mg.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Long-term treatment
Natesto is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Natesto is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Before you start using Natesto, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
Before using Natesto for the first time, you’ll need to prime the pump. Hold it upside down over a sink and press the pump 10 times.
You will then be ready to administer your Natesto dose. First, gently blow your nose. Then, remove the cap, insert the tip of the pump into your left nostril, and press the pump one time. Repeat this for your right nostril. You’ll give yourself one full press of the pump in each nostril three times per day.
If you have questions about how to use Natesto, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also step-by-step instructions on the manufacturer’s website.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you miss a dose of Natesto, use it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use your next scheduled dose. Do not use two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should use a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you don’t use more Natesto than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, using more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you use more than the recommended amount of Natesto
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Natesto. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Natesto.
Is the dosage of Natesto similar to the dosage of Jatenzo?
No, the forms and how often you take or use the drug are different. Natesto comes as a nasal gel that’s used three times per day. Jatenzo comes as an oral capsule that’s taken twice per day.
The dose in milligrams for each drug also differs because the drugs have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Natesto to start working?
Natesto starts to work after your first dose, and you may notice some of its effects after about 3 weeks. You may not feel the maximum benefit of the drug for up to 6 months, depending on your symptoms. Your doctor will check in with you during treatment to see whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Natesto treatment.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Natesto for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Natesto without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Natesto that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Natesto. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Natesto: For information about other aspects of Natesto, refer to this article.
- Details about low testosterone: For details about low testosterone, see our men’s health hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.