What Is Androgel?

Androgel is a prescription testosterone gel used for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in adult men diagnosed with hypogonadism — a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone on its own. It is manufactured by AbbVie Inc. and is available in both brand-name and generic formulations.

Androgel is FDA-approved to treat primary hypogonadism (caused by problems with the testes) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (caused by problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus). It is not approved for use in women or patients under 18 years old.

How does Androgel work?

Androgel delivers testosterone through the skin (transdermally). After you apply the gel to your shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen, testosterone absorbs through the skin and enters the bloodstream. Once in the body, testosterone binds to androgen receptors in target tissues, helping maintain muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, libido, and overall male sexual characteristics. The gel is applied once daily and provides a steady level of testosterone throughout the day.

What doses are available for Androgel?

• Androgel 1% — Available in packets (25 mg and 50 mg) and pump (12.5 mg per actuation). Starting dose is typically 50 mg (5 g of gel) applied once daily, adjustable to 25 mg or 100 mg.
• Androgel 1.62% — Available as a pump (20.25 mg per actuation). Starting dose is 40.5 mg (2 pump actuations) once daily, adjustable from 20.25 mg to 81 mg based on blood testosterone levels.

How hard is it to find Androgel in stock?

Androgel and generic testosterone gel have experienced intermittent supply disruptions throughout 2025 and into 2026. While testosterone injectable shortages have been the most severe, gel formulations have also been affected by manufacturer discontinuations and surging demand from the growth of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) clinics and telehealth prescribing. Brand-name Androgel availability can be spotty at some pharmacies, though generic versions are generally easier to find. We recommend calling ahead or using Medfinder to locate pharmacies with stock near you.

Who Can Prescribe Androgel?

Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Androgel:

• Primary care physicians — Often the first stop for men experiencing low testosterone symptoms
• Endocrinologists — Specialists in hormone disorders who manage complex TRT cases
• Urologists — Specialists in male reproductive health
• Internal medicine physicians
• Men's health clinics — Dedicated clinics focused on testosterone therapy
• Licensed telehealth providers — Many online platforms now offer TRT consultations and prescriptions

Because Androgel is a Schedule III controlled substance, your provider will need to confirm low testosterone with at least two morning blood tests showing serum testosterone below 300 ng/dL before prescribing.

Is Androgel a controlled substance?

Yes, Androgel is classified as a Schedule III (CIII) controlled substance by the DEA. Testosterone products carry potential for abuse and dependence. This means prescriptions may have limits on refills, and your pharmacy may require additional verification. Schedule III substances can be prescribed with up to five refills within six months of the original prescription date.

Common Side Effects of Androgel

The most frequently reported side effects include:

• Skin irritation at application site (redness, itching, burning)
• Increased red blood cell count (polycythemia)
• Increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
• Headache
• Mood changes or vivid dreams
• Increased blood pressure
• Frequent or prolonged erections
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling in lower legs (edema)
• Acne

Important safety warning: Androgel carries a boxed warning about secondary exposure — women and children who come into contact with unwashed application sites may experience virilization (development of male characteristics). Always wash hands thoroughly after application and keep treated areas covered.

Alternative Medications to Androgel

If Androgel is unavailable or too expensive, several alternatives exist:

• Testosterone Cypionate Injection — Injectable testosterone given intramuscularly every 1–2 weeks; often significantly cheaper than gels, though affected by its own supply shortages
• Testim — A testosterone 1% gel applied to the shoulders and upper arms, similar to Androgel with a different formulation
• Fortesta — A testosterone 2% gel applied to the front and inner thighs via a metered-dose pump
• Androderm — A testosterone transdermal patch applied nightly to the back, abdomen, upper arm, or thigh

Talk to your doctor about which option is best based on your lifestyle, budget, and insurance coverage.

Drug Interactions with Androgel

Androgel can interact with several medications:

• Warfarin and other blood thinners — Testosterone may increase bleeding risk; your doctor may need to adjust your anticoagulant dose
• Insulin and oral diabetes medications — Testosterone can lower blood sugar levels, potentially requiring a reduction in diabetes medication doses
• Corticosteroids and ACTH — Increased risk of fluid retention, especially in patients with heart, kidney, or liver disease
• Levothyroxine — May alter thyroid function test results
• Propranolol — May increase testosterone clearance from the body

Always inform your prescriber of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Avoid excessive alcohol, which may worsen liver-related side effects.

Final Thoughts on Androgel

Androgel remains one of the most widely prescribed testosterone gel formulations, but supply disruptions and high brand-name costs can make it challenging to access. Generic testosterone gel offers substantial savings — often under $150 per month with discount coupons — and is covered by most insurance plans with prior authorization. If you're having trouble finding Androgel in stock, try using Medfinder to locate pharmacies near you that currently have it available. AbbVie also offers a savings card for commercially insured patients and a patient assistance program for those who are uninsured or underinsured.