Androgel Is a Prescription Testosterone Gel Used to Treat Low Testosterone in Men

Androgel (Testosterone topical gel) is a prescription medication applied to the skin once daily to treat men with clinically low testosterone levels, also known as hypogonadism. It's one of the most widely prescribed testosterone replacement therapies (TRT) in the United States.

If your doctor has mentioned Androgel — or you're researching it on your own — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, what it's used for, how to take it, who shouldn't use it, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Androgel?

Here are the basics:

• Brand name: AndroGel (available in 1% and 1.62% strengths)
• Generic name: Testosterone topical gel
• Drug class: Androgens and anabolic steroids
• Manufacturer: AbbVie Inc.
• DEA schedule: Schedule III (CIII) — it's a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes
• Forms: Topical gel in packets (1%) and metered-dose pumps (1% and 1.62%)

Androgel works by delivering testosterone through the skin into the bloodstream. Your body absorbs it gradually over the course of the day, which mimics the natural pattern of testosterone production more closely than some other delivery methods.

What Is Androgel Used For?

Androgel is FDA-approved for testosterone replacement therapy in adult men with conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous (naturally produced) testosterone. This includes:

• Primary hypogonadism — where the testes don't produce enough testosterone due to congenital conditions (like Klinefelter syndrome) or acquired conditions (like damage from infection, surgery, or radiation).
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism — where the problem originates in the brain (pituitary or hypothalamus), leading to insufficient signaling to the testes. This can be congenital or caused by tumors, trauma, or radiation.

Androgel is not approved for age-related testosterone decline alone (sometimes called "low T" from aging), though it's sometimes prescribed off-label for this purpose when symptoms are significant and blood work confirms low levels.

Other off-label uses include hormone therapy for transgender men and testosterone deficiency related to HIV/AIDS wasting.

How Is Androgel Taken?

Androgel is applied once daily, preferably in the morning, to clean, dry, intact skin. Here's how:

1. Where to apply: Shoulders, upper arms, and/or abdomen. The area should be coverable by a short-sleeve t-shirt. Never apply to the penis or scrotum.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after application.
3. Let it dry for at least 5 minutes before putting on clothes.
4. Don't shower or swim for at least 2 hours (1% formulation) or 5 hours (1.62% formulation) after applying.
5. Cover the area with clothing to prevent transfer to others.

Dosing

• AndroGel 1%: Starting dose is typically 50 mg (5 grams of gel) daily. Can be adjusted to 25 mg or 100 mg based on blood levels.
• AndroGel 1.62%: Starting dose is 40.5 mg (2 pump actuations) daily. Can range from 20.25 mg to 81 mg.

Your doctor will check your testosterone levels after starting and adjust the dose to get you into the normal range (typically 300-1,000 ng/dL). Most adjustments happen within the first 1-3 months.

Who Should Not Take Androgel?

Androgel is not for everyone. You should not use it if you have:

• Known or suspected prostate cancer
• Male breast cancer
• Allergy to testosterone or any ingredient in the gel

Androgel must never be used by women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant — testosterone can cause serious harm to a developing fetus. Breastfeeding women should also avoid all contact with the gel.

Children must not come into contact with Androgel. The FDA has issued a boxed warning about secondary exposure causing virilization (masculine physical changes) in children.

Use with caution if you have:

• Heart disease or history of heart attack/stroke
• Liver or kidney disease
• Diabetes (Androgel can lower blood sugar)
• Sleep apnea
• History of blood clots
• Enlarged prostate (BPH)

For more on medications that don't mix well with Androgel, read our guide on Androgel drug interactions.

How Much Does Androgel Cost?

Cost is a major factor for many men considering Androgel. Here's the pricing landscape in 2026:

• Brand-name Androgel 1.62% (pump): $720 to $800+ per month at retail. Some pharmacies charge over $1,100.
• Generic testosterone gel 1.62%: $85 to $150 per month with discount coupons (like GoodRx or SingleCare). Without coupons, generic retail averages around $450.

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans cover generic testosterone gel, but often require prior authorization. This typically means your doctor must document two morning blood draws showing testosterone below 300 ng/dL. Brand-name Androgel may require step therapy — trying the generic first.

Many Medicare Part D plans do not cover testosterone products or place them on high-cost specialty tiers.

Savings Programs

There are several ways to reduce your costs:

• AbbVie savings card: Up to $100 off per month for commercially insured patients (not valid with Medicare or Medicaid).
• AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation: Free Androgel for qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients. Call 1-800-222-6885 to apply.
• Discount coupons: GoodRx, SingleCare, and other services offer significant savings on generic testosterone gel.

For a complete breakdown, see our guide on how to save money on Androgel.

What About Side Effects?

Like all medications, Androgel can cause side effects. Common ones include skin irritation at the application site, acne, headache, and mood changes. Serious but less common side effects include blood clots, cardiovascular events, and elevated red blood cell counts.

For a detailed breakdown, read our full guide on Androgel side effects.

Final Thoughts

Androgel is a well-established, effective testosterone replacement option for men with clinically diagnosed low testosterone. It's convenient to use — just a daily gel application — and available in both brand and more affordable generic versions.

The keys to success with Androgel are proper application technique, consistent follow-up blood work, and awareness of potential side effects, particularly the risk of secondary exposure to household members.

If you've been prescribed Androgel and need help finding it in stock, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy near you. And if you're looking for a prescribing provider, check out our guide on how to find a doctor who prescribes Androgel.