Cernos vs Androgel: Which Testosterone Therapy Is Right for You?

When you need testosterone replacement, a medical treatment used to restore normal testosterone levels in men with low T. Also known as testosterone therapy, it helps with energy, muscle mass, mood, and sexual function. Two of the most common options are Cernos, a brand-name testosterone gel made by Sun Pharma, widely used in India and other regions and Androgel, a U.S.-approved testosterone gel originally developed by AbbVie, commonly prescribed in North America and Europe. Both deliver testosterone through the skin, but they’re not the same—and choosing the wrong one can affect your results, cost, and comfort.

The biggest difference? Active ingredients and formulation. Cernos uses testosterone undecanoate, which absorbs slowly and stays in your system longer, often requiring just one daily application. Androgel uses testosterone, usually in a gel base that absorbs faster but may need to be applied at the same time every day to keep levels steady. If you’re active or sweat a lot, Androgel can rub off more easily, while Cernos holds up better under heat or movement. Side effects are similar—skin irritation, acne, or increased red blood cell count—but users report fewer sticky residues with Cernos. Cost-wise, Cernos is often cheaper outside the U.S., while Androgel can be expensive without insurance, though generics like Testim or Fortesta are now available.

Who picks which? If you’re in a country where Cernos is sold and you want a longer-lasting, less frequent option, it’s a strong pick. If you’re in the U.S. and your doctor prefers a well-documented brand with extensive clinical data, Androgel might be the default. But neither is better overall—it’s about your body, lifestyle, and budget. Some men switch from Androgel to Cernos after finding the gel too messy or expensive. Others switch the other way because they trust a U.S.-approved product more. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule here.

What you’ll find below is a collection of real, detailed comparisons—just like the ones you’d see between Sildenafil and Tadalafil, or between different blood pressure drugs. These aren’t ads or summaries. They’re side-by-side breakdowns of how medications stack up in real life: how they work, what they cost, how they feel on your skin, and what users actually experience. You’ll see the same level of detail applied to Cernos and Androgel, so you can make a decision based on facts, not marketing.