Possible allergic reaction to Test Cyp/oil?

Howdy gents,

I have been getting along in years and started with TRT 3 years ago. Dr prescribed Nebido, which is ridiculously expensive. First-year was ok on it but never got the energy, vitality, sex drive, etc. boost I was anticipating. I started doing research, some very good articles on here as well, and landed on Test Cyp as an alternative. Initially, 2cc every 4-6 weeks, a bit better energy etc. Figured out I need to do at least  2 shots a week to align with the half-life (1cc at a time, split into 2, yes, each time a new needle etc.).

The question is this, I follow injection protocols to the T, but in the last 2-3 months, get a seriously painful nodule in the pin site. Use to disappear pretty quickly, but now it stays for about 4-6 weeks. I have been using UPA mostly. 1) Can it be I am developing an allergic reaction to the oil base used? 2) would switching brands make a difference, or 3) switch to a different ester, i.e undecanoate?

I don't know enough about brands, the oils used etc., to make any kind of comment on it but would appreciate some guidance in terms of sore injection sites. Have warmed oils to get higher viscosity etc.
Thnx for any advice.
 

Give another brand a try, perhaps it's just the formulation used by UPA that causes the irritation. Does not sound like an allergic reaction, but I won't rule that out. Some will disagree with me, but even certain esters such as Prop can cause similar allergic reactions from my anecdotal observations.

So you are injecting 0.5ml twice per week, but are you injecting IM or SQ?

It's probably the UPA. I got some pretty mean red welts injecting UPA Test Cyp subq from one of their vials. A bit of redness and swelling is normal, but these hard welts lasted a few weeks. This was from 0.2ml (50mg). I switched to another vial, also UPA which was much better.

I think maybe they sometimes use a bit too much solvent.

Thanks for the response, that's affirmative on the 0.5 ml twice a week. I usually to do IM thigh or hip, rotating between sites and it worked ok. Now it's staying inflamed for so long I had to move to SQ which is worse. Heatpacks and anti-inflammatory rubs don't seem to make much of a difference in shortening the process, bar some temporary relief.

Thanks for the feedback, I will toss this vial and firts try a new UPS vial (purchased a couple) and see if that works. If not will then try a few different brands before trying a diffent ester.

Bulrider76 wrote:

Thanks for the response, that's affirmative on the 0.5 ml twice a week. I usually to do IM thigh or hip, rotating between sites and it worked ok. Now it's staying inflamed for so long I had to move to SQ which is worse. Heatpacks and anti-inflammatory rubs don't seem to make much of a difference in shortening the process, bar some temporary relief.

0.5ml is too much for SQ, so the IM injections you were doing initially were the better option. You're not doing anything wrong as far as your injection protocol goes so I'm confident that the formulation UPA is using does not accommodate with you. It's a common occurrence with underground products because they push the limits on solvability of the hormones and the solvents used can be on the nasty side. PGW Testen 300 used to be particularly bad.

Just be aware that 250mg of T per week is a very high dose to stay on indefinitely for TRT and long term will have negative effects on your heart health.

Check your hematocrit and give blood if it's on the high end. That will lower your risk for heart disease. Testosterone has a dose dependant effect on hematocrit.

Thanks for the insights, I used to donate blood regularly before covid so good motivation to get back in the routine. Will have doc run bloods again next week to see how it's going.
Been pretty stable so far.

Sounds good. Donating is very good for you if you're on high dose TRT. Docs don't usually pick up on the hematocrit when it's just above the normal range if they don't know your testosterone use. Mine never did and it was always elevated until I lowered my dose.