Androderm Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

March 13, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Androderm isn't just in shortage — it's permanently discontinued. Get the latest 2026 update on what happened, current alternatives, costs, and how to find testosterone therapy.

Androderm in 2026: This Isn't a Shortage — It's a Discontinuation

If you're searching for an Androderm shortage update, the news hasn't changed — and it isn't going to. Androderm has been permanently discontinued. This is not a temporary supply issue that will resolve over time.

AbbVie (through its subsidiary Allergan) stopped manufacturing Androderm testosterone patches in 2023, and they were the only company in the world making them for the U.S. market. No generic was ever approved, and no new manufacturer has announced plans to produce a testosterone patch.

Here's everything patients need to know in 2026.

Is Androderm Still in Shortage?

Technically, no — because "shortage" implies the drug still exists but isn't available in sufficient quantities. What happened with Androderm is more final than that.

The ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) first listed the testosterone transdermal system shortage in March 2023, noting that Allergan (AbbVie) had discontinued Androderm transdermal patches and that Allergan was the sole supplier.

The discontinuation was attributed to quality concerns with the patch manufacturing process. Rather than address these issues, AbbVie chose to stop production entirely.

Why Is Androderm So Hard to Find?

To be clear: Androderm isn't hard to find — it's impossible to find. Here's why:

  • Sole manufacturer discontinued it. AbbVie was the only company making Androderm, and they stopped in 2023.
  • No generic exists. No generic testosterone patch was ever approved by the FDA.
  • No replacement manufacturer. As of 2026, no pharmaceutical company has announced plans to produce a testosterone transdermal patch.
  • International markets affected too. Androderm was also cancelled in Australia (by Teva) in June 2022.

For the full story, read our detailed explainer on why Androderm is so hard to find.

What Did Androderm Cost in 2026?

When Androderm was available, it was one of the more expensive testosterone replacement options:

  • Cash price: approximately $670–$800 per month (30 patches)
  • Per patch: roughly $22–$27 each
  • With insurance: copays varied widely, but prior authorization was typically required

By comparison, the alternatives available today offer a wide range of price points:

  • Testosterone Cypionate injections: $30–$100/month (generic)
  • Generic testosterone gel: $50–$200/month
  • Brand AndroGel: $200–$500/month
  • Jatenzo (oral capsules): $500–$900/month
  • Natesto (nasal gel): Varies by pharmacy and insurance

For tips on reducing costs, see our guide on saving money on testosterone therapy.

Are There Any New Testosterone Options in 2026?

While no new testosterone patch has emerged, the TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) landscape continues to evolve:

  • Oral options have expanded. Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex are all oral testosterone undecanoate capsules absorbed through the lymphatic system, avoiding the liver toxicity concerns of older oral testosterone products.
  • The Xyosted autoinjector offers a pre-filled, single-dose injection of testosterone enanthate that patients can self-administer subcutaneously (under the skin) weekly — a needle-friendly option for those who dislike traditional intramuscular injections.
  • Testosterone pellets (Testopel) are implanted under the skin by a doctor every 3–6 months, providing the longest-acting testosterone delivery available.

Your doctor can help determine which of these options is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.

How to Find Testosterone in Stock

Even though Androderm is gone, other testosterone products can sometimes be tricky to find because testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance. Pharmacies may have limited quantities on hand.

Here's how to improve your chances:

  1. Use Medfinder to check real-time availability of testosterone products at pharmacies near you
  2. Call your pharmacy ahead of time to confirm they have your specific formulation in stock
  3. Try independent pharmacies — they often have more flexibility with inventory than chain pharmacies
  4. Ask about 90-day supplies to reduce the frequency of refills and stock-out risk

For more strategies, read our article on finding testosterone in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Androderm story is a cautionary tale about what happens when a single manufacturer controls the entire supply of a medication. For the thousands of patients who relied on testosterone patches, the discontinuation forced an abrupt change in treatment.

But testosterone replacement therapy in 2026 has more options than ever. Whether you prefer injections, gels, pills, nasal gel, or implanted pellets, there's a formulation that can work for you.

The most important step is to talk to your doctor and make a plan — don't wait for Androderm to come back, because it won't. And if you need help navigating the transition, Medfinder is here to help you find what you need.

Is Androderm expected to come back in 2026 or 2027?

No. As of 2026, no manufacturer has announced plans to resume production of Androderm or any other testosterone transdermal patch for the U.S. market. The discontinuation is considered permanent.

Why did AbbVie stop making Androderm?

AbbVie (through Allergan) discontinued Androderm due to quality concerns with the patch manufacturing process. Rather than invest in resolving the manufacturing issues, the company chose to discontinue the product entirely.

Is there an FDA-approved testosterone patch from another company?

No. AbbVie was the sole manufacturer of testosterone transdermal patches in the United States. No generic version was ever approved, and no other company currently produces a testosterone patch for the U.S. market.

What's the most affordable way to replace Androderm?

Generic testosterone cypionate injections are the most affordable alternative at approximately $30–$100 per month. Generic testosterone gel is another option at $50–$200 per month. Both are widely available and covered by most insurance plans.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.

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