When receiving injectable testosterone, the type of vial you’re given can make a big difference, not just in how you use it, but in how much waste (and cost) is involved in your treatment.
Understanding the Two Main Types of Vials
There are two common types of testosterone vials:
- Glass-Topped (Break-Seal) Vials:
- These vials are sealed with a glass neck that must be snapped open.
- Once opened, the vial cannot be resealed or reused.
- If your prescription requires half a vial or a portion of the dose, the remainder must be discarded, even though it contains usable medication.
- This can lead to unnecessary waste, increased costs, and the need for replacement prescriptions sooner than planned.
- Rubber-Topped (Multi-Use) Vials:
- These have a resealable rubber stopper and are designed to be punctured with a needle and then stored for future use.
- Ideal for split doses or when a prescribed dose is less than the full vial.
- They reduce waste and make dose scheduling much more flexible.
What You Can Do
- Ask Your Pharmacist:
- You have the right to ask your pharmacist to dispense testosterone in a rubber-topped vial. Not all pharmacists do this by default, so it’s worth requesting.
- Discarded a Glass Vial Mid-Dose?
- If you’ve had to discard a partially used glass vial because your dose was only half, and you couldn’t reuse it, don’t worry. You can request an early repeat prescription to make up for the lost medication. Any prescriuber fees will need to be paid again as they are needed for every prescription.
- Pharmacist Won’t Dispense Rubber-Topped Vials?
- If your usual pharmacy does not stock or dispense rubber-topped vials, you have two main options:
- Try a different pharmacy, many are happy to accommodate requests.
- Switch to a different formulation, try an alternative preparation, gel or injection that better suits your needs.
Why This Matters
Personalised care is essential when it comes to hormone therapy. Having the right tools, including a vial that fits your dose and your treatment plan, is part of that care. Reducing waste, saving money, and avoiding frustration are all good reasons to take control and ask for what you need.