Androderm testosterone patches have been permanently discontinued by AbbVie. Learn why you can't find Androderm, what happened, and what alternatives exist in 2026.
If you've been trying to fill an Androderm prescription lately, you've probably run into a wall. Your pharmacy can't order it. The shelves are empty. And nobody seems to have a clear answer for why.
Here's the truth: Androderm has been permanently discontinued. This isn't a temporary shortage or a supply chain hiccup — the only company that made it stopped production, and no one has stepped in to replace it.
That's a frustrating situation if you relied on Androderm to manage low testosterone. But understanding why it happened — and what you can do next — can help you move forward with a plan.
Androderm was a prescription testosterone transdermal patch used to treat hypogonadism — a condition where the body doesn't produce enough testosterone on its own. It was applied to the skin once nightly (usually on the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs) and delivered a steady dose of testosterone over 24 hours.
Androderm came in two strengths: a 2 mg/day patch and a 4 mg/day patch. Doctors could combine patches to reach the right dose for each patient, typically ranging from 2 mg to 6 mg per day.
As a Schedule III controlled substance, Androderm required a prescription and couldn't be refilled without authorization — just like all testosterone products.
There are several reasons Androderm has completely disappeared from pharmacies:
Allergan (now part of AbbVie) was the sole manufacturer of Androderm in the United States. In early 2023, the company announced it was discontinuing the product. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) officially listed the shortage in March 2023, confirming that production had ceased.
Reports indicate that the discontinuation was driven by quality concerns related to the patch manufacturing process. Rather than investing in resolving these issues, AbbVie chose to discontinue the product entirely.
Unlike many other testosterone products, no generic version of Androderm was ever approved. When AbbVie stopped making it, there was no backup supplier to fill the gap. No other pharmaceutical company currently manufactures a testosterone transdermal patch for the U.S. market.
As of 2026, no other company has announced plans to develop or manufacture a testosterone patch. The specialized transdermal delivery technology and regulatory requirements make it unlikely that a new testosterone patch will appear anytime soon.
If Androderm was part of your treatment plan, you have options — they just look different from what you're used to. Here's what to consider:
Several other testosterone replacement therapies are available and widely used. Your doctor can help you transition to one that fits your lifestyle and medical needs. Common alternatives include:
For a detailed comparison of these options, check out our guide on alternatives to Androderm.
If you've been on testosterone replacement therapy, stopping suddenly can cause symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, decreased libido, and loss of muscle mass. Work with your prescriber to make a smooth transition to a new formulation.
If you're having trouble finding any testosterone product in stock, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with your medication available. While Androderm itself is no longer manufactured, Medfinder can help you find alternative testosterone formulations near you.
Androderm's discontinuation is permanent — and that's the most important thing to understand. Waiting for it to come back in stock isn't a viable strategy. The good news is that several effective alternatives exist, and your doctor can help you find the right one.
If you're navigating this transition, you're not alone. Thousands of patients have had to switch from Androderm to other testosterone formulations, and most find a suitable replacement with their prescriber's guidance.
For more information, read our Androderm shortage update for 2026 or learn how to save money on testosterone replacement therapy.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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