The Depo-Testosterone Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you've been trying to fill a prescription for Depo-Testosterone (Testosterone Cypionate) and keep hitting dead ends, you're dealing with a problem that has affected hundreds of thousands of patients across the country. Testosterone Cypionate shortages have been a recurring issue since 2018, and in 2026, the situation remains complicated.

In this update, we'll cover the current state of the shortage, what's driving it, how much the medication costs right now, and what you can do to get your prescription filled.

Is Depo-Testosterone Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Testosterone Cypionate remains in intermittent shortage. The FDA's Drug Shortage Database continues to list injectable testosterone products, and many patients report difficulty finding it at retail pharmacies.

The situation is not uniform — availability varies significantly by region and pharmacy. Some patients fill their prescriptions without issue, while others in the same city can't find a single pharmacy with stock. The 200 mg/mL concentration tends to be more available than the 100 mg/mL version.

Multiple manufacturers produce generic Testosterone Cypionate, including Hikma, Sun Pharma, Teva, and Pfizer (brand Depo-Testosterone). When one manufacturer experiences a disruption, others may not be able to make up the difference quickly enough.

Why Is Depo-Testosterone Hard to Find?

The shortage stems from several overlapping factors:

Rising Demand

Testosterone prescriptions have increased significantly over the past decade. The growth of telehealth TRT clinics, greater awareness of low testosterone symptoms, and expanded access to gender-affirming hormone therapy have all contributed to higher demand.

DEA Production Quotas

As a Schedule III controlled substance, Testosterone Cypionate production is limited by annual DEA quotas. These quotas are meant to prevent diversion and abuse, but they can lag behind legitimate medical demand, creating supply gaps.

Manufacturing Constraints

Injectable sterile products require specialized manufacturing. Any disruption — equipment issues, quality control problems, raw material shortages — can reduce output for weeks or months. Multiple manufacturers have experienced such disruptions in recent years.

For a more detailed breakdown, see our article on why Depo-Testosterone is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Depo-Testosterone Cost in 2026?

Pricing varies depending on whether you have insurance, which pharmacy you use, and whether you get brand or generic:

• Generic Testosterone Cypionate (200 mg/mL, 10 mL vial): $30–$80 with a discount card at most pharmacies
• Brand Depo-Testosterone (200 mg/mL, 10 mL vial): $150–$350 without insurance
• With insurance: Most patients pay a $10–$50 copay, though prior authorization is often required

Discount cards from services like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost for generic Testosterone Cypionate. For a complete guide to saving money, read How to Save Money on Depo-Testosterone in 2026.

New Options and Developments

Several developments in 2025–2026 may help patients:

• Additional generic manufacturers: New generic approvals have expanded the number of companies producing Testosterone Cypionate, which should help ease supply constraints over time.
• Subcutaneous injection approval: While Testosterone Cypionate is traditionally given intramuscularly, some providers now prescribe it for subcutaneous injection (into the fat layer under the skin). This uses smaller needles and may allow for more frequent, lower-dose injections that reduce the impact of supply interruptions.
• Compounding pharmacies: Compounding pharmacies can prepare Testosterone Cypionate from bulk ingredients, providing an additional source when commercially manufactured products are unavailable.
• Alternative formulations: Products like Testosterone Enanthate, testosterone gels, and long-acting injectables like Aveed offer options when Testosterone Cypionate can't be found. See our alternatives guide for details.

How to Find Depo-Testosterone in Stock

Here's what to do right now if you need to fill your prescription:

1. Search on Medfinder: Check real-time pharmacy availability near you.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have more flexibility in ordering controlled substances than large chains.
3. Ask about both concentrations: If the 100 mg/mL isn't available, the 200 mg/mL may be (your doctor can adjust the prescription).
4. Plan ahead: Request refills 7–10 days early to give your pharmacy time to source it.
5. Talk to your doctor: They may know which pharmacies in your area have consistent stock, or they can prescribe an alternative if needed.

For more strategies, see our complete guide on how to find Depo-Testosterone in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Depo-Testosterone shortage is a frustrating reality for many patients in 2026, but it's not hopeless. Supply is inconsistent rather than nonexistent — the medication is out there, it just takes more effort to find it. Use the tools and strategies above to stay ahead of the shortage, and don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about alternatives if you're consistently unable to fill your prescription.

Stay informed with our other Depo-Testosterone resources:

• What Is Depo-Testosterone?
• Depo-Testosterone Side Effects
• How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Depo-Testosterone