Comprehensive medication guide to Androgel including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Most insurance covers generic testosterone gel with prior authorization, typically costing $10–$75 per month depending on your plan.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Brand-name Androgel costs $720–$1,100 per month, while generic testosterone gel runs $85–$150 with discount coupons.
Medfinder Findability Score
60/100
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Androgel:
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.
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.
The most frequently reported side effects include:
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.
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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
Prefer Androgel? We can find it.
Warfarin and other blood thinners
moderateTestosterone may increase bleeding risk; your doctor may need to adjust your anticoagulant dose
Insulin and oral diabetes medications
moderateTestosterone can lower blood sugar levels, potentially requiring a reduction in diabetes medication doses
Corticosteroids and ACTH
moderateIncreased risk of fluid retention, especially in patients with heart, kidney, or liver disease
Levothyroxine
moderateMay alter thyroid function test results
Propranolol
moderateMay increase testosterone clearance from the body
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.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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