Jatenzo® vs. Kyzatrex®: Comparing Oral TRT Options

Published: 2025-08-19

Updated: 2025-08-19

4 mins

Low testosterone affects millions of men and can significantly impact quality of life. It may lead to fatigue, reduced libido, mood changes, difficulty building or maintaining muscle, and even cognitive changes. If left unaddressed, these symptoms may contribute to decreased energy, weight gain, and an overall decline in well-being.

While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has traditionally been administered through injections, gels, or patches, oral TRT options now provide a convenient alternative for men who prefer to avoid needles or daily topical applications.

Jatenzo® and Kyzatrex® are two FDA-approved oral testosterone therapies designed to help men restore testosterone levels safely and effectively. Both medications offer a new pathway for managing low T, but they differ in formulation, dosing, and other key aspects.

This article will compare Jatenzo and Kyzatrex across their mechanisms of action, administration, benefits, side effects, costs, and more, helping men make informed decisions about oral TRT options.

Understanding Oral Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy works by restoring testosterone levels in men whose bodies produce insufficient amounts. This typically occurs due to hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes or pituitary gland do not produce adequate testosterone. Hypogonadism can be caused by medical conditions such as pituitary disorders, testicular injury, or certain chronic illnesses. By bringing hormone levels back into the normal range, TRT can help improve energy, mood, libido, muscle mass, and overall well-being.

TRT is available in several forms. Injections are typically administered every one to two weeks and provide steady hormone levels but require regular clinic visits or self-injection. Gels and patches are applied daily to the skin, allowing for consistent absorption but sometimes causing skin irritation or transfer to others.

Oral TRT, including options like Jatenzo and Kyzatrex, offers a convenient alternative. These formulations are designed for easy daily administration, bypassing the need for needles or messy topical applications. The oral route can improve adherence and simplify therapy, making it an attractive option for men seeking effective, flexible treatment for symptoms related to low testosterone.

How Do Jatenzo and Kyzatrex Work?

Both Jatenzo and Kyzatrex are oral testosterone therapies that use testosterone undecanoate, a form of testosterone designed for absorption through the digestive system.

Jatenzo is absorbed via the lymphatic system, which helps it bypass initial liver metabolism. This pathway allows more of the hormone to enter the bloodstream and helps maintain stable testosterone levels.

Kyzatrex also contains testosterone undecanoate but uses a lipid-based formulation that improves absorption when taken with food. Like Jatenzo, it avoids significant first-pass metabolism in the liver, helping the hormone reach effective levels in the blood.

While both medications are effective at raising testosterone, differences in formulation can influence the onset and stability of hormone levels. Jatenzo may provide slightly more predictable blood levels due to its lymphatic absorption, whereas Kyzatrex’s absorption can be more dependent on the fat content of meals. In practice, both therapies are effective for restoring testosterone to the normal range when taken as prescribed.

Dosage and Administration

Jatenzo is typically started at a dose of 158 mg or 237 mg taken orally twice daily with food. Doses are adjusted every few weeks based on blood testosterone levels and clinical response to ensure levels remain within the normal range.

Kyzatrex is usually initiated at 100 mg or 200 mg daily with meals. Like Jatenzo, dosing is titrated based on laboratory results and symptom improvement, allowing physicians to tailor therapy to each patient’s needs.

Meal timing is an important consideration for both medications. Jatenzo should be taken with meals to enhance absorption, while Kyzatrex’s lipid-based formulation makes it particularly sensitive to the fat content of the meal for optimal uptake.

Regular monitoring of testosterone levels is essential with both therapies to guide dose adjustments, maximize benefits, and minimize potential side effects. This ensures patients achieve stable and effective hormone levels over time.

Benefits and Efficacy

Both Jatenzo and Kyzatrex are designed to help men with low testosterone due to conditions like hypogonadism restore hormone levels and improve related symptoms. Clinical studies show that men taking these oral therapies often experience improvements in energy, libido, mood, and muscle mass.

Jatenzo has been shown in trials to effectively raise testosterone levels into the normal range for the majority of men, leading to noticeable symptom relief in areas such as sexual desire, physical vitality, and overall well-being. Kyzatrex has demonstrated similar efficacy, with studies reporting consistent normalization of testosterone levels and improvements in energy, mood, and sexual function.

While direct head-to-head comparisons are limited, both therapies are effective for restoring testosterone and alleviating symptoms associated with low hormone levels. Individual responses can vary, highlighting the importance of personalized monitoring and dose adjustments under a physician’s guidance.

Side Effects and Risks

Like all testosterone replacement therapies, both Jatenzo and Kyzatrex carry potential side effects. Common effects for both medications include headache, nausea, and changes in blood pressure. Liver function is also a consideration, as oral testosterone can place additional strain on the liver, making routine monitoring important.

Each medication also has unique considerations. Jatenzo has been associated with higher rates of increased blood pressure in clinical trials, which may require monitoring and management. Kyzatrex’s lipid-based formulation may occasionally cause gastrointestinal side effects, particularly when taken with meals that are very high in fat.

Both therapies carry potential cardiovascular risks and may impact prostate health, including monitoring for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) changes. Regular follow-up with a physician is essential to track hormone levels, blood pressure, liver function, and overall health, ensuring therapy is safe and effective for each individual.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of oral testosterone therapy can vary widely depending on insurance coverage and pharmacy pricing. 

Both medications offer copay assistance programs to help eligible patients reduce out-of-pocket costs. Insurance coverage can also differ, so patients should check with their provider and pharmacy to determine the most affordable option.

Financial considerations may influence the choice between the two therapies, especially for men who prefer oral administration but need to balance convenience with cost. Working with a healthcare provider and insurance representative can help ensure that patients access the therapy that best fits their needs and budget.

Patient Considerations and Lifestyle Factors

Oral testosterone therapies like Jatenzo and Kyzatrex offer a convenient alternative for men who prefer to avoid injections or daily gels and patches. For many patients, the ease of taking a pill with meals can improve adherence and fit more seamlessly into daily routines.

Several factors can influence the choice between oral therapy and other TRT options. These include personal convenience, underlying medical conditions, potential side effects, and insurance coverage. For example, men with certain cardiovascular or liver concerns may need closer monitoring, which can influence the therapy selection.

Physician guidance is essential in selecting the appropriate therapy. A healthcare provider can assess symptoms, review medical history, and determine which medication, dose, and schedule will be safest and most effective for each individual, while also monitoring for side effects and adjusting treatment as needed.

How Rex MD Can Help

With the Rex MD Testosterone Program, you’ll have access to quality care from a team of licensed clinicians. If clinically appropriate, they can prescribe testosterone replacement therapies or other testosterone solutions that can help you feel like yourself again.

To find out if the program is right for you, just answer some questions about your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will order lab work for you to help determine if you’re eligible for TRT or another testosterone solution available through the program.

Then, you’ll be able to schedule a virtual call with the Rex MD care team to further discuss your results, eligibility, and which treatment option would be most suitable for you, if any.

Get started today.