Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
ANDROID 5 vs PREGNYL
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Androgen receptor agonist; stimulates protein synthesis and growth of androgen-sensitive tissues.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) acts as a luteinizing hormone (LH) agonist, binding to LH receptors in the gonads, stimulating testosterone production in males and ovulation in females.
Testosterone replacement therapy for male hypogonadism,Off-label: delayed puberty in males
FDA: Treatment of prepubertal cryptorchidism,FDA: Induction of ovulation and pregnancy in anovulatory infertile women,Off-label: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males,Off-label: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) protocols
2.5-10 mg orally once daily in the morning for androgen replacement therapy in adult males.
Intramuscular injection: 5,000-10,000 IU once weekly for 4-9 weeks for ovulation induction; 1,000-2,000 IU three times weekly for spermatogenesis.
Terminal elimination half-life is 3.5–5.5 hours; clinical effects may persist for several days due to active metabolites.
Terminal elimination half-life: 23–24 hours; clinically, supports daily or every-other-day dosing; peak effect may lag due to prolonged absorption
Hepatic via CYP3A4 and CYP2B6; undergoes first-pass metabolism.
Primarily renal metabolism and excretion; limited hepatic metabolism.
Primarily renal: ~90% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, 6% as unchanged drug; ~5% fecal via bile.
Renal: 10-20% as unchanged drug; hepatic metabolism to inactive metabolites; fecal excretion negligible (<5%)
98% bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
~80% bound primarily to albumin; minor binding to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
Vd approximately 1.0 L/kg; indicates extensive tissue distribution, especially to reproductive organs and bone marrow.
0.5–0.7 L/kg; moderately distributed into extracellular fluid; penetrates gonadal tissues
Oral: 15–25% due to first-pass metabolism; buccal or transdermal: higher, but not commercially available for this formulation.
Intramuscular: ~100%; Subcutaneous: comparable (~95-100%); Oral: <5% (not used)
No specific dose adjustment required based on GFR; caution in severe impairment (Cr Cl <30 m L/min) due to potential fluid retention.
No specific guidelines; use with caution in severe renal impairment (Cr Cl <30 m L/min) due to limited data.
Contraindicated in Child-Pugh class B and C cirrhosis due to hepatotoxicity risk; in class A, use with caution and monitor liver function.
No specific guidelines for Child-Pugh; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment.
Not recommended for use in children as it may cause premature epiphyseal closure and virilization; limited data.
Not indicated for prepubertal children; for delayed puberty in males: 1,000-2,000 IU intramuscularly 2-3 times weekly for 3-6 months.
Increased risk of prostatic hyperplasia and carcinoma; use lowest effective dose with regular prostate monitoring.
No specific recommendations; use lowest effective dose due to potential increased sensitivity and comorbidities.
Warning: Prolonged use may cause virilization in women, premature epiphyseal closure, and increased risk of prostatic hypertrophy/carcinoma.
No FDA black box warning.
Monitor liver function, lipid profile, and prostate-specific antigen; risk of edema in patients with cardiac disease; avoid use in patients with sleep apnea.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women,Arterial thromboembolism,Precocious puberty in males,Fluid retention,Ovarian enlargement or cyst rupture
Known or suspected prostate cancer; breast cancer in males; hypersensitivity to androgens; pregnancy and lactation.
Hypersensitivity to h CG or any component,Premature epiphyseal closure in males,Androgen-dependent neoplasia (e.g., prostate cancer),Undiagnosed uterine bleeding,Ovarian cyst or enlargement due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS),Active thromboembolic disorders
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they may increase drug levels. Limit salt intake to reduce fluid retention. Alcohol may increase risk of liver toxicity.
No known clinically significant food interactions. Maintain usual diet unless advised otherwise by physician.
Pregnancy Category X. ANDROID 5 (oxandrolone) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects including masculinization of female fetus, clitoral enlargement, and labial fusion. Risk is highest during first trimester but applies throughout gestation.
Pregny (h CG) is not indicated for use during pregnancy. h CG is used to induce ovulation and is not continued after conception. In animal studies, high doses have shown fetal abnormalities, but human data are insufficient. First trimester: No direct fetal risk from therapeutic use as it is discontinued before implantation. Second/Third trimester: Not used. Overall, classified as FDA Pregnancy Category X for ovulation induction (contraindicated in pregnancy) but no teratogenic risk if discontinued before conception.
Excretion into human milk is unknown. Due to potential for androgenic effects in nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended. No M/P ratio available.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) is normally present in breast milk in low concentrations. Exogenous h CG is likely excreted into breast milk, but the M/P ratio is not established. Due to lack of data and potential for adverse effects in the infant (e.g., hormonal disruption), breastfeeding is not recommended during therapy. The manufacturer advises discontinuing breastfeeding or avoiding the drug.
Not applicable; contraindicated in pregnancy. No dose adjustment recommendations exist for pregnant patients.
Pregny is contraindicated in pregnancy. No dose adjustment is applicable as it is discontinued prior to conception. There are no pharmacokinetic data for pregnancy, but the drug is not used during gestation.
Android 5 (methyltestosterone) is an androgenic anabolic steroid used for hypogonadism and delayed puberty. Monitor liver function due to hepatotoxicity. Use with caution in elderly due to increased risk of prostatic hypertrophy and carcinoma. Can cause fluid retention in patients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease. Avoid in patients with breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer.
Pregnyl (h CG) is used to trigger final follicular maturation and ovulation in assisted reproduction. Monitor for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS); consider withholding h CG if estradiol >4000 pg/m L or >20 follicles per ovary. Administer exactly 36 hours before oocyte retrieval. Intramuscular injection into gluteal muscle; rotate sites if repeated doses.
Take exactly as prescribed; do not increase dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.,Report any signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain.,Women should report any signs of virilization: hoarseness, acne, menstrual changes, growth of facial hair.,Men should report any breast enlargement, changes in urination, or priapism.,Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.,Do not use if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Use Pregnyl exactly as prescribed to trigger ovulation; timing is critical for egg retrieval.,Report severe pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, or rapid weight gain (possible OHSS) immediately.,Avoid pregnancy tests during treatment as h CG may cause false positive.,May cause injection site pain or swelling; apply warm compress if needed.,Do not discontinue without consulting your fertility specialist.
No interactions on record
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about ANDROID 5 vs PREGNYL, answered by our medical review team.
ANDROID 5 is a Androgen that works by Androgen receptor agonist; stimulates protein synthesis and growth of androgen-sensitive tissues.. PREGNYL is a Gonadotropin Hormone that works by Human chorionic gonadotropin (h CG) acts as a luteinizing hormone (LH) agonist, binding to LH receptors in the gonads, stimulating testosterone production in males and ovulation in females.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between ANDROID 5 and PREGNYL depend on the specific clinical indication. These are agents from distinct pharmacological classes and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of ANDROID 5 is: 2.5-10 mg orally once daily in the morning for androgen replacement therapy in adult males.. The standard adult dose of PREGNYL is: Intramuscular injection: 5,000-10,000 IU once weekly for 4-9 weeks for ovulation induction; 1,000-2,000 IU three times weekly for spermatogenesis.. Dosing should always be individualized based on indication, renal and hepatic function, age, and other patient factors.
No direct drug-drug interaction has been formally documented between ANDROID 5 and PREGNYL in current clinical databases. However, individual patient risk factors including other medications, organ function, and comorbidities should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
The maternal-fetal safety profiles differ. ANDROID 5 is classified as Category C. Pregnancy Category X. ANDROID 5 (oxandrolone) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects including masculinization of female fetus, clitoral enlargement, and labial. PREGNYL is classified as Category C. Pregny (hCG) is not indicated for use during pregnancy. hCG is used to induce ovulation and is not continued after conception. In animal studies, high doses have shown fetal abnorm. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.