Finding Testosterone Shouldn't Be This Hard

If your pharmacy has told you Testosterone is on back order — again — you know how stressful it can be. Whether you rely on Testosterone Cypionate injections, AndroGel, or another formulation, running out of your medication isn't just inconvenient. It can affect your energy, mood, and overall health.

The ongoing Testosterone shortage has made filling prescriptions more difficult since 2023. But there are practical steps you can take right now to find Testosterone in stock near you.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Pharmacy Availability

Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to search for Testosterone availability in your area. Medfinder shows you which nearby pharmacies currently have your medication in stock — saving you time and frustration.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Testosterone" or your specific formulation (e.g., "Testosterone Cypionate")
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which pharmacies near you have it available right now

This is especially useful during shortages when stock levels change daily. Instead of guessing, you get real-time information.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Compounding Pharmacies

When big chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid are out of stock, independent pharmacies often still have supply. Here's why:

• Different supply chains: Independent pharmacies may source from different wholesalers than the major chains.
• Compounding pharmacies can custom-prepare Testosterone formulations (such as Testosterone Cypionate in specific concentrations) when commercially manufactured products are unavailable.
• Lower patient volume: Smaller pharmacies may not deplete their stock as quickly.

To find independent pharmacies near you, search on Medfinder or check your state's board of pharmacy directory. If you're interested in compounded Testosterone, ask your doctor to write a prescription specifically for a compounding pharmacy.

A Note on Compounded Testosterone

Compounded Testosterone is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy and is not FDA-approved. However, it can be a legitimate option when commercially manufactured products are in shortage. Make sure to use a pharmacy accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) for safety.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacy stock levels can fluctuate throughout the week. A few timing strategies that can help:

• Fill early in the week: Many pharmacies receive shipments on Monday or Tuesday. Calling or visiting early in the week may improve your chances.
• Don't wait until you're out: Fill your prescription as soon as your insurance or pharmacy allows — usually a few days before your supply runs out.
• Call ahead: Before making the trip, call the pharmacy to confirm they have your specific formulation and strength in stock.
• Ask about expected deliveries: If a pharmacy is currently out, ask when they expect their next shipment. Sometimes it's just a day or two away.

What If You Still Can't Find Testosterone?

If you've tried multiple pharmacies and still can't find your medication, here are additional steps:

Ask Your Doctor About a Different Formulation

If Testosterone Cypionate injections are unavailable, your doctor may switch you to:

• Topical gel (generic Testosterone gel, Testim, Fortesta) — applied daily to the skin
• Patches (Androderm) — applied nightly
• Oral capsules (Jatenzo, Tlando, Kyzatrex) — taken with food twice daily
• Nasal gel (Natesto) — applied inside the nostrils three times daily
• Subcutaneous autoinjector (Xyosted) — self-administered weekly

Each formulation has different costs, convenience, and side effect profiles. Learn more in our guide to alternatives to Testosterone.

Consider a Telehealth TRT Clinic

Telehealth platforms like Hims, Ro, and Hone specialize in testosterone replacement therapy and may have established pharmacy networks with better access to supply. Some even ship medication directly to your door.

Check for Savings

If you need to switch to a more expensive formulation, look into discount programs. GoodRx, SingleCare, and manufacturer savings cards can significantly reduce costs. Read our full guide on how to save money on Testosterone.

Final Thoughts

The Testosterone shortage is real, but you have options. By using tools like Medfinder, exploring independent pharmacies, and timing your refills wisely, you can improve your chances of keeping your treatment on track.

Don't give up. Your medication is out there — it just might take a little extra effort to find it right now.