Why Is It So Hard to Find Testosterone at the Pharmacy?

If you've ever shown up at your pharmacy only to hear "we don't have it in stock," you're not alone. Testosterone Cypionate injections — the most commonly prescribed form of TRT — have been in intermittent shortage since 2023. Multiple manufacturers, including Pfizer (Depo-Testosterone), Cipla, Hikma, and Sun Pharma, have experienced supply disruptions.

The result? Patients calling pharmacy after pharmacy, wasting hours trying to find their medication. But there's a better way.

How to Check Testosterone Stock Online

Instead of calling 10 pharmacies, you can check stock digitally. Here are the best methods:

1. Use MedFinder (Fastest Option)

MedFinder lets you search for Testosterone availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Just enter your medication, zip code, and preferred formulation — and you'll see which pharmacies have it in stock right now.

This is the fastest way to avoid the phone-call runaround. It's free, and it covers major chains and independent pharmacies.

2. Check Major Chain Pharmacy Websites

Some large pharmacy chains let you check stock or transfer prescriptions online:

• CVS: You can use the CVS app to check prescription status and request transfers.
• Walgreens: The Walgreens app shows prescription status and allows you to manage transfers between locations.
• Walmart: Walmart's pharmacy tool lets you check pricing and sometimes availability.

However, most chain pharmacy websites don't show real-time stock levels for controlled substances like Testosterone. That's where MedFinder has a significant advantage.

3. Use Your Pharmacy's App

If you already have a prescription on file, your pharmacy's app may show whether it's ready or if there's a delay. If it says "delayed" or "out of stock," you know to look elsewhere.

4. Ask Your Doctor's Office

Your prescriber's office often has insight into which pharmacies in the area are reliably stocking Testosterone. They deal with this issue across dozens of patients and may know which locations to try first.

What If Your Pharmacy Doesn't Have It?

If your regular pharmacy is out of Testosterone, here's what to do:

1. Request a transfer: Ask your pharmacist to transfer the prescription to a pharmacy that has it in stock. For controlled substances like Testosterone (Schedule III), regulations vary by state — some allow transfers, others require a new prescription.
2. Call your doctor: If a transfer isn't possible, your doctor can send a new prescription to a different pharmacy.
3. Try a compounding pharmacy: Compounding pharmacies can prepare Testosterone Cypionate when commercial products are unavailable. They source raw ingredients separately from commercial manufacturers, so they're often unaffected by the same shortages.
4. Consider a different formulation: If Testosterone Cypionate injections are out of stock, ask your doctor about alternatives like gels, patches, or oral capsules, which may be available.
5. Look into mail-order pharmacies: Some mail-order and specialty pharmacies maintain better stock of controlled substances. Telehealth TRT providers often have their own pharmacy supply chains.

Tips for Staying Ahead of the Shortage

Don't wait until you're out of medication to start looking. Here are some proactive strategies:

• Refill early: Most pharmacies allow controlled substance refills a few days before you run out. Don't wait until the last day.
• Build a relationship with your pharmacist: Independent pharmacies are often more flexible and willing to special-order medications for regular customers.
• Set up MedFinder alerts: Get notified when Testosterone becomes available at pharmacies near you.
• Keep a backup plan: Know a second pharmacy that carries your medication in case your primary pharmacy runs out.

How the Testosterone Shortage Affects Stock

The Testosterone Cypionate shortage stems from a combination of factors: increased demand from expanded TRT prescribing (including the boom in telehealth clinics), limited manufacturing capacity, and DEA production quotas on Schedule III controlled substances.

As of late 2025, Pfizer's Depo-Testosterone 200 mg/mL 1 mL vials are available in limited supply with weekly releases. The 100 mg/mL 10 mL vials have been on back order. Generic manufacturers are also experiencing intermittent issues.

The good news is that supply has been gradually improving, and multiple manufacturers are working to increase production. But spot shortages at individual pharmacies remain common — which is exactly why tools like MedFinder exist.

The Bottom Line

You shouldn't have to spend hours on the phone just to fill your Testosterone prescription. Use MedFinder to check stock online, have a backup pharmacy in mind, and work with your doctor to explore cost-saving options along the way. Staying proactive is the best way to avoid gaps in your treatment.