Oral Testosterone Therapy: A Complete Guide to Jatenzo, Tlando, Kyzatrex, and Emerging Options

Nelson Vergel

Founder, ExcelMale.com
Oral Testosterone Therapy: A Complete Guide to Jatenzo, Tlando, Kyzatrex, and Emerging Options
By Nelson Vergel | ExcelMale.com | Updated December 2025
For decades, men requiring testosterone replacement therapy faced a limited menu of options: injectable esters requiring regular intramuscular shots, topical gels with transfer risks, or pellets requiring minor surgical procedures. The FDA approval of three oral testosterone undecanoate products between 2019 and 2022—Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex—has fundamentally changed this landscape, offering men a convenient pill-based alternative that was previously considered pharmacologically impossible.
This comprehensive guide examines the science behind modern oral testosterone, compares the three FDA-approved products, addresses common concerns about efficacy and safety, and looks ahead to emerging formulations like DITEST that may further expand patient options.

The Oral Testosterone Revolution: How Science Solved the Absorption Problem​

Early oral testosterone formulations, particularly methyltestosterone introduced in the 1950s, were plagued by serious hepatotoxicity—liver damage caused by first-pass metabolism through the portal circulation. When testosterone is swallowed and absorbed through the intestinal wall, it travels directly to the liver before reaching systemic circulation. The liver rapidly metabolizes native testosterone, destroying most of it before it can exert therapeutic effects and generating hepatotoxic metabolites in the process.
The breakthrough came with testosterone undecanoate (TU), a lipophilic ester formulation that exploits an alternative absorption pathway. When taken with food—particularly meals containing fat—TU is absorbed via the intestinal lymphatic system rather than the portal vein. This lymphatic absorption route bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism entirely, allowing intact testosterone undecanoate to reach the systemic circulation where tissue esterases cleave the undecanoate ester to release native testosterone.
The modern oral TU products further enhance this lymphatic absorption through Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS)—proprietary lipid-based formulations that promote micelle formation and optimize intestinal lymphatic uptake. Each of the three FDA-approved products uses a slightly different SEDDS formulation, contributing to some differences in their pharmacokinetic profiles and dosing requirements.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Jatenzo vs. Tlando vs. Kyzatrex

While all three FDA-approved oral testosterone products contain the same active ingredient—testosterone undecanoate—and share the same mechanism of lymphatic absorption, meaningful differences exist in their formulation technology, dosing flexibility, and practical considerations for patients and prescribers.
Product Comparison at a Glance

Feature
Jatenzo
Tlando
FDA Approval
March 2019

March 2022

July 2022

Available Strengths

158mg, 198mg, 237mg

112.5mg (fixed)

100mg, 150mg, 200mg

Starting Dose

237mg BID

225mg BID

200mg BID

Titration Required

Yes

No

Yes

Efficacy Rate

87%

80%

88%

Food Requirement

With food

With food

With any meal

Approx. Monthly Cost

$600-$1,200

$450-$900

$179 (cash)

Jatenzo: The First FDA-Approved Oral TRT

Jatenzo (Clarus Therapeutics) earned FDA approval in March 2019, becoming the first oral testosterone product approved in the United States for testosterone replacement therapy in adult males with conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. The pivotal trial demonstrated that 87% of treated men achieved average testosterone levels within the normal range after dose titration.
Beyond biochemical normalization, Jatenzo demonstrated improvements in quality of life, bone mineral density, and lean body mass in clinical trials. The 12-month extension study showed sustained efficacy with mean increases in spine bone mineral density of 0.018 g/cm² and lean body mass increases of 3.15 kg. Importantly, psychosexual function also improved significantly, addressing the symptomatic goals that matter most to patients.
Jatenzo requires dose titration based on serum testosterone levels, typically assessed after initial dosing and adjusted up or down to achieve target levels. This individualized approach optimizes outcomes but requires more frequent monitoring visits during the titration phase. Available in three capsule strengths (158mg, 198mg, 237mg), Jatenzo offers prescribers flexibility in achieving optimal dosing for each patient.

Tlando: The No-Titration Option​

Tlando (Antares Pharma, now Halozyme) received FDA approval in March 2022, differentiating itself through a fixed-dose regimen that eliminates the need for titration. Patients take 225mg twice daily (two 112.5mg capsules) without dose adjustments based on laboratory monitoring. The manufacturer positions this simplicity as an advantage for both patient convenience and healthcare resource utilization.
The pivotal Study 16-002 demonstrated that 80% of hypogonadal men achieved serum testosterone levels within the eugonadal range without dose titration. While this efficacy rate is slightly lower than the 87-88% achieved with titrated products, it exceeds the FDA's minimum threshold of 75% and may be acceptable for patients who prioritize simplicity over maximized optimization.
For clinicians, Tlando's fixed-dose approach reduces the need for follow-up laboratory testing and dose adjustment visits, potentially improving practice efficiency. However, this comes with a tradeoff: patients whose testosterone levels fall at the lower end of the normal range may not achieve optimal symptom relief, as there is no option to increase the dose.

Kyzatrex: Flexible Titration with Accessible Pricing​

Kyzatrex (Marius Pharmaceuticals) received FDA approval in July 2022 and has distinguished itself through two key features: a unique formulation using phytosterol excipients and a direct-to-patient pricing model that bypasses traditional insurance barriers. The phytosterol-based SEDDS formulation forms microemulsions in gastrointestinal fluids, optimizing absorption regardless of meal fat content.
The Phase III trial (MRS-TU-2019EXT) demonstrated the highest efficacy rate among the three products, with 88% of participants achieving eugonadal testosterone levels after titration. Notably, the study used ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and reported a mean systolic blood pressure increase of only 1.7 mmHg—the lowest of the three approved products.
Perhaps Kyzatrex's most significant differentiator is its pricing structure. While Jatenzo and Tlando face the typical insurance prior authorization barriers that often delay treatment initiation, Kyzatrex is available as a cash-pay product at $179 per month regardless of strength (100mg, 150mg, or 200mg capsules). This eliminates insurance hassles and provides cost predictability for patients. Some clinicians have also reported success with higher starting doses (400mg BID) for select patients, though this represents off-label use.

Oral TRT vs. Injectable Testosterone: Weighing the Tradeoffs​

The availability of oral testosterone does not make injectable testosterone obsolete—each delivery method has distinct advantages and limitations that make it more suitable for different patient profiles. Understanding these tradeoffs allows patients and clinicians to make informed treatment decisions.

Advantages of Oral Testosterone

Convenience and Needle-Free Administration: For patients with needle phobia or those who simply prefer avoiding injections, oral testosterone provides an obvious advantage. The twice-daily dosing regimen with meals is straightforward and can be incorporated into existing routines without requiring injection supplies or technique training.
Elimination of Transfer Risk: Unlike topical gels, oral testosterone poses no risk of inadvertent transfer to partners or children through skin contact. This makes it a preferred option for men with young children or pregnant partners.
Potentially Lower Erythrocytosis Risk: Emerging data suggests that oral testosterone may cause less elevation in hematocrit compared to injectable formulations. The shorter pharmacokinetic profile—with daily peaks and troughs rather than sustained elevation—appears to reduce erythropoietic stimulation. Men who have experienced polycythemia on injectable TRT may find oral formulations better tolerated.
Potentially Less Suppressive of Fertility: Preliminary evidence suggests that oral testosterone's shorter half-life and daily cycling may be less suppressive of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis compared to long-acting injectable formulations. While all exogenous testosterone suppresses LH and FSH to some degree, the pulsatile exposure pattern with oral dosing may preserve some fertility parameters in certain men.

Advantages of Injectable Testosterone​

Superior Bioavailability and Predictability: Injectable testosterone cypionate or enanthate delivers nearly 100% of the administered dose to systemic circulation, compared to the variable absorption seen with oral products that depends on meal composition and individual lymphatic function. This translates to more predictable and reliable testosterone levels.
Precise Dose Control: Injections allow for incremental dose adjustments (e.g., increasing from 100mg to 120mg weekly) that can fine-tune testosterone levels to achieve optimal symptom relief. Oral products offer fewer dosing options, and the relationship between dose and serum levels is less predictable.
Lower Cost: Generic testosterone cypionate remains the most cost-effective TRT option, with monthly costs of $30-50 compared to $179-$1,200 for oral products. For patients without insurance coverage or with high deductibles, this cost difference may be decisive.
Less Frequent Dosing: Once-weekly or twice-weekly injections may be more manageable for some patients than twice-daily pills that must be taken with meals. Missing an injection is also more forgiving than missing multiple oral doses, which can cause rapid fluctuations in levels.

Safety Considerations and Monitoring Requirements​

All three oral TRT products carry a boxed warning regarding blood pressure elevation, reflecting findings from clinical trials. This class effect requires careful patient selection and ongoing monitoring.

Blood Pressure Effects​

Clinical trials documented mean increases in systolic blood pressure of 3-5 mmHg with Jatenzo and Tlando, and 1.7 mmHg with Kyzatrex using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. While these average increases appear modest, some individual patients experienced clinically significant elevations requiring initiation or adjustment of antihypertensive therapy.
Patients with pre-existing hypertension, those taking antihypertensive medications, and those with type 2 diabetes appeared more susceptible to blood pressure effects. The FDA labeling recommends blood pressure monitoring prior to initiation, at regular intervals during treatment, and whenever doses are changed.

Shared Class Effects​

Beyond blood pressure, oral TRT products share the standard androgen-related adverse effect profile seen with all testosterone formulations, including potential increases in hematocrit, decreases in HDL cholesterol, elevated PSA levels, and rare occurrences of headache, gastrointestinal upset, peripheral edema, and anxiety. Patients should have baseline and periodic monitoring of hematocrit, lipids, and PSA consistent with standard TRT guidelines.
Importantly, modern oral TU formulations have not demonstrated the hepatotoxicity associated with older oral testosterone products like methyltestosterone. The lymphatic absorption pathway successfully bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism, and no clinically significant liver enzyme elevations have been reported in clinical trials.

The Future: DITEST and Native Oral Testosterone

While the three currently approved products all contain testosterone undecanoate—an esterified prodrug that requires enzymatic cleavage to release active testosterone—a new generation of oral formulations aims to deliver native (unesterified) testosterone directly. The most advanced of these is DITEST (now DNL-0300), developed by Diurnal Group.
DITEST uses a proprietary lipid-based formulation that achieves oral delivery of native testosterone with several potential advantages over testosterone undecanoate products. Phase I studies published in the European Journal of Endocrinology demonstrated that DITEST can be taken with or without food—a significant convenience improvement over TU products that require fat-containing meals for optimal absorption.
Perhaps more importantly, DITEST generates more physiological dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels compared to testosterone undecanoate. The TU products produce supraphysiological DHT concentrations because the undecanoate ester is partially converted to DHT during absorption. While the clinical significance of elevated DHT is uncertain, maintaining physiological levels may theoretically reduce long-term risks related to androgenic effects on the prostate and cardiovascular system.
DITEST is currently in clinical development under the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway, with a Phase I multiple ascending dose study followed by a pivotal Phase III trial planned. If approved, it would represent the first oral native testosterone product and could expand options for men seeking even more physiological testosterone replacement.

Choosing the Right Oral TRT Product: Patient Selection Considerations​

Given the similarities among the three available products, selection often comes down to practical considerations related to individual patient circumstances.
Jatenzo may be preferred for: Patients with good insurance coverage and established pharmacy relationships; those who want the longest track record of real-world use (first approved in 2019); patients comfortable with dose titration and follow-up monitoring.
Tlando may be preferred for: Patients who prioritize simplicity and want to avoid titration visits; men with predictable responses who are likely to do well on fixed dosing; practices seeking to minimize laboratory monitoring requirements.
Kyzatrex may be preferred for: Patients without insurance coverage or facing prior authorization barriers; those seeking predictable, transparent pricing; men who want flexible titration capability; patients with variable meal patterns (phytosterol formulation less dependent on meal fat content).
Oral TRT may not be ideal for: Patients with dysphagia or other swallowing difficulties; men unable to take medication twice daily with meals; those with uncontrolled hypertension or significant cardiovascular risk factors; patients requiring precise dose optimization who may do better with injectable testosterone's superior bioavailability.

Conclusion: Oral TRT Expands Patient Choice​

The approval of Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex has transformed testosterone replacement therapy by providing needle-free options with efficacy rates of 80-88% for achieving eugonadal testosterone levels. While injectable testosterone remains the most cost-effective and reliable method for many patients, oral formulations fill an important niche for men who prefer pill-based therapy, have contraindications to other delivery methods, or simply want more convenient administration.
As with any treatment decision, selection among oral TRT products—and between oral and other formulations—should be individualized based on patient preferences, clinical circumstances, insurance coverage, and practical considerations. The emergence of DITEST and other native oral testosterone formulations promises to further expand options in the coming years, moving testosterone replacement therapy toward increasingly physiological and convenient delivery methods.
Men considering oral TRT should discuss these options with their healthcare provider to determine whether oral testosterone is appropriate for their situation and, if so, which product best matches their needs and preferences.

Related ExcelMale Forum Discussions​

Explore these community discussions for real-world experiences and additional insights:
Oral Testosterone Therapy in Men with Low Testosterone: A Comprehensive Review – Authoritative synthesis of oral TRT pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes
KYZATREX (Oral Testosterone Undecanoate) Updates – Active discussion tracking real-world patient experiences with Kyzatrex
Oral TRT Products: Jatenzo, Tlando, Kyzatrex, & DITEST (Native T) – Comparison framework for navigating oral TRT options
Jatenzo, an Oral Testosterone Replacement Therapy – Clinical deep-dive on the first FDA-approved oral TRT
Jatenzo: An Advancement in Oral TRT – Practical advantages of oral vs injectable protocols
KYZATREX® – A New Oral Testosterone & Why It's Better Than Injections – Specific pharmacokinetic advantages of Kyzatrex
Testosterone Update on Oral Products – Latest developments across all oral products
A Pill That Could Outsell Viagra: New Testosterone Rx Drug – Market potential and mainstream adoption trajectory

Key References​

1. Mascarenhas A, et al. Treatment of Symptomatic Male Hypogonadism with New Oral Testosterone Therapies: A Comparative Review. Medicines. 2025. [MDPI Full Text]
2. Bernstein JS, Dhingra OP. A phase III, single-arm, 6-month trial of a wide-dose range oral testosterone undecanoate product. Ther Adv Urol. 2024. [PMC Full Text]
3. Safety Aspects and Rational Use of Testosterone Undecanoate in the Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency. PMC Review. 2023. [PMC Full Text]
4. The Evolving Role of Novel Oral Agents for Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Historical Perspective. Androgens. 2022. [Liebert Full Text]
5. Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Narrative Review with Focus on New Oral Formulations. PMC. 2022. [PMC Full Text]
6. Whitaker MJ, et al. An oral lipidic native testosterone formulation absorbed independent of food. Eur J Endocrinol. 2021. [PMC Full Text]
7. Is Oral Testosterone the New Frontier of Testosterone Replacement Therapy? Cureus. 2022. [PMC Full Text]
8. Oral Drugs Offer New Option for Testosterone Replacement. Cleveland Clinic Consult QD. 2025. [Cleveland Clinic]
9. Vo J, et al. Initiating high-dose oral testosterone undecanoate therapy: safety, efficacy, patient satisfaction. SMSNA 2024. [Urology Times]
10. Integrating Oral Testosterone Replacement Therapy into Clinical Practice. BackTable Urology. 2024. [BackTable]
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All testosterone replacement therapy requires a prescription and should be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider. Individual responses to therapy vary, and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with your physician.
About ExcelMale.com: ExcelMale is a men's health forum with over 24,000 members and 20+ years of archived discussions on testosterone replacement therapy, hormone optimization, and sexual health. Founded by Nelson Vergel, author of Built to Survive, Testosterone: A Man's Guide and Beyond Testosterone, ExcelMale provides evidence-based information and peer support for men navigating hormone health decisions.
 

hCG Mixing Calculator

HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

Online statistics

Members online
4
Guests online
187
Total visitors
191

Latest posts

hCG Mixing Calculator

HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

Beyond Testosterone Podcast

Back
Top