Provider Briefing: The Androgel Shortage in 2026

If your patients have been calling your office about difficulty filling their Androgel prescriptions, the reports are consistent with what clinicians are seeing nationwide. Testosterone product availability — including brand-name Androgel and generic testosterone gel — has been intermittently disrupted since 2023, and the situation remains uneven heading into 2026.

This briefing covers the current state of the shortage, its implications for your prescribing practice, cost and access considerations, and tools that can help your patients navigate availability challenges.

Timeline: How We Got Here

The testosterone supply picture has evolved over several years:

• Early 2023: Testosterone Cypionate injections first appear on the ASHP drug shortage list, primarily affecting injectable formulations used in clinics and home self-injection regimens.
• 2023-2024: Demand for testosterone replacement therapy continues to rise, driven by increased awareness of hypogonadism and the rapid growth of direct-to-consumer telehealth TRT clinics. This puts additional pressure on all testosterone formulations, including gels.
• 2024-2025: Actavis Pharma discontinues manufacture of testosterone gel (16.2 mg/1g presentations), removing a significant generic supplier from the market. Remaining manufacturers face challenges scaling to meet demand.
• 2026: Supply remains uneven. Brand-name Androgel (AbbVie) is still manufactured but availability at the pharmacy level is inconsistent. Generic testosterone gel is available from multiple manufacturers but stock levels vary by region and pharmacy.

Prescribing Implications

The shortage creates several practical challenges for prescribers:

Prior Authorization Delays

Most commercial and Medicare plans require prior authorization for testosterone products. Common criteria include:

• Two morning serum testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL
• Documented signs and symptoms of hypogonadism
• Step therapy requirement to try generic before brand

PA processing times add 1-5 business days to the time between prescription and fill. When combined with pharmacy stock issues, patients may experience treatment gaps of a week or more.

Generic Substitution Considerations

If prescribing brand-name Androgel, be aware that pharmacies may substitute a generic testosterone gel unless the prescription specifies "Dispense as Written" (DAW). In most shortage scenarios, allowing generic substitution gives patients the best chance of getting filled promptly.

Formulation Switching

Patients who cannot fill their Androgel prescription may need to switch formulations entirely. Key considerations:

• Gel to gel (e.g., Androgel 1.62% to Testim 1% or Fortesta 2%): Requires dose recalculation and follow-up labs in 2-4 weeks.
• Gel to patch (Androderm): Different pharmacokinetic profile; monitor for skin reactions and testosterone levels.
• Gel to injection (Testosterone Cypionate): Most cost-effective option but requires patient education on self-injection technique. Note: injectable testosterone is also experiencing intermittent shortages.
• Gel to oral (Jatenzo, Tlando): Newer options that avoid transfer risk; typically require PA and may have higher copays.

Current Availability Picture

As of early 2026:

• Androgel 1.62% (brand): Manufactured by AbbVie; available but pharmacy-level stock is spotty. Some pharmacies can special-order within 1-2 business days.
• Generic testosterone gel 1% and 1.62%: Available from multiple manufacturers including Teva, Perrigo, and others. Availability varies by wholesaler and region.
• Testim (brand and generic): Generally available; less commonly prescribed but a viable gel alternative.
• Fortesta (brand and generic): Available; 2% concentration applied to thighs.
• Androderm patches: Available; good option for patients concerned about gel transfer.
• Testosterone Cypionate injection: Intermittent shortage since 2023; some manufacturers have restored supply.

Cost and Access Considerations

Cost barriers are a significant factor in the Androgel access equation:

• Brand Androgel: $720-$1,100+ per month at retail
• Generic testosterone gel: $85-$150 per month with discount coupons; ~$450 without
• Testosterone Cypionate injection: $30-$50 per month (generic)
• AbbVie savings card: Up to $100/month off for commercially insured patients (not valid for government insurance)
• AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation: Provides Androgel at no cost to eligible uninsured/underinsured patients (1-800-222-6885)

Directing patients to discount programs and generic options can significantly reduce abandonment rates. For a comprehensive savings guide you can share with patients, see How to Save Money on Androgel in 2026.

Tools and Resources for Your Practice

Medfinder for Providers

Medfinder offers a provider-focused tool that helps you and your staff check real-time pharmacy availability for Androgel and other medications. Instead of fielding calls from frustrated patients, you can proactively direct them to pharmacies with confirmed stock.

Patient Education Materials

Consider sharing these resources with patients experiencing difficulty filling their prescriptions:

• How to Find Androgel in Stock Near You
• Alternatives to Androgel
• Androgel Side Effects: What to Expect
• Androgel Drug Interactions: What to Avoid

ASHP Drug Shortage Resources

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists maintains an up-to-date drug shortage list at ashp.org that includes testosterone formulations and recommended alternatives.

Looking Ahead

Several factors may improve the Androgel supply picture over the coming months:

• New generic entrants: Additional generic manufacturers are expected to enter the testosterone gel market, which should help stabilize supply.
• Oral testosterone growth: Increasing adoption of oral options like Jatenzo and Tlando may reduce some demand pressure on gel formulations.
• Compounding options: USP-compliant compounding pharmacies continue to offer customized testosterone preparations as a bridge during shortages.

However, the structural drivers of the shortage — rising TRT demand, controlled substance regulations, and manufacturer consolidation — are unlikely to resolve quickly.

Final Thoughts

The Androgel shortage requires a proactive approach from prescribers. Maintaining open communication with patients, being flexible with formulation options, and leveraging tools like Medfinder for Providers can help minimize treatment disruptions.

For a practical guide to helping your patients locate their medications, see our companion article: How to Help Your Patients Find Androgel in Stock: A Provider's Guide.