Comprehensive medication guide to Testim including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$32–$100/month copay when covered by commercial insurance; prior authorization required for most plans; Medicare Part D may cover at $40–$80/month with documented hypogonadism; many plans exclude testosterone gels entirely.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$380–$760/month retail for brand Testim; as low as $87–$150/month for generic testosterone 1% gel with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
75/100
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Testim is a brand-name prescription testosterone gel used to treat hypogonadism — a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone — in adult men. It contains 1% testosterone in a clear-to-translucent gel applied once daily to the shoulders and upper arms. Each tube contains 5 grams of gel delivering 50 milligrams of testosterone.
Testim is manufactured by Endo Pharmaceuticals and classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. It is FDA-approved only for adult males with clinically diagnosed hypogonadism — not for use in women, children, or to address normal age-related testosterone decline.
Generic testosterone 1% gel is bioequivalent to Testim and widely available at most retail pharmacies at significantly lower cost. Patients who cannot find brand Testim or who face cost barriers should speak with their doctor about generic substitution.
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When Testim is applied to the skin, testosterone molecules penetrate the outer layers of the epidermis and pass into the dermis, where they are absorbed into the bloodstream through capillaries. The skin acts as a reservoir, releasing testosterone gradually and continuously over 24 hours — producing more stable serum testosterone levels than injectable formulations.
Approximately 10% of the applied testosterone dose is absorbed systemically. Once in the bloodstream, testosterone binds to androgen receptors in muscles, bones, the brain, and other tissues, where it acts as a gene regulator — stimulating protein synthesis (muscle building), bone mineralization, red blood cell production, and libido. Testosterone is also converted in peripheral tissues to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol, which play key roles in prostate function, hair, bone density, and mood.
Because Testim is absorbed transdermally and enters the bloodstream directly, it bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism — meaning it does not carry the liver toxicity risk associated with older oral anabolic steroids. Physiologic testosterone concentrations are typically achieved within 24 hours of the first application.
50 mg (5 g tube) — 1% testosterone topical gel
Standard starting dose — 1 tube applied once daily to shoulders/upper arms
100 mg (10 g, 2 tubes) — 1% testosterone topical gel
Maximum dose — 2 tubes applied once daily if serum testosterone remains below normal range on starting dose
Testim is not on the FDA's formal drug shortage list as of 2026, but many patients encounter real-world access challenges. Most major chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid) do not routinely stock brand Testim — they primarily carry generic testosterone gel and AndroGel. This means Testim is often treated as a special-order item requiring 1-2 business days for the pharmacy to receive from their wholesaler.
Independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies generally have better access to Testim and may stock it more routinely. High cost without insurance ($380–$760/month for brand) is another significant barrier — many patients effectively can't access Testim even when pharmacies can order it. Generic testosterone 1% gel is much more accessible, costing as low as $87/month with discount coupons.
To find which pharmacies near you can fill a Testim prescription, use medfinder — a service that calls pharmacies near your location to check which ones have your medication in stock and can fill your prescription.
Because Testim contains testosterone — a Schedule III controlled substance — it can only be prescribed by licensed healthcare providers with DEA Schedule III prescribing authority. Any qualified prescriber who has completed appropriate DEA registration can prescribe Testim for patients with a documented diagnosis of hypogonadism.
Common prescribers of Testim include:
Urologists: Frequently manage testosterone replacement therapy; well-versed in interpreting testosterone lab results
Endocrinologists: Hormone specialists; preferred for complex or secondary hypogonadism cases
Primary care physicians (PCPs): Family medicine and internal medicine doctors routinely manage TRT for straightforward hypogonadism
Men's health and TRT specialists: Focused practices in testosterone therapy; often faster appointments; may not accept all insurance
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants: Can prescribe Testim in most states with appropriate DEA registration; scope of practice varies by state
Telehealth prescribing is available for Testim in 2026. Under the current DEA telehealth extension (valid through December 31, 2026), licensed providers can prescribe Schedule III medications including testosterone via telehealth video visits without requiring a prior in-person appointment. Platforms including Hims, Ro, Hone, and Maximus offer full TRT evaluation and prescribing services online.
Yes. Testim contains testosterone, which is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (as defined by the Anabolic Steroids Control Act). This means testosterone has accepted medical uses but also potential for abuse.
Schedule III classification has important implications for patients:
Prescription required: Testim can only be dispensed with a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber with DEA Schedule III registration
Refill limits: Schedule III prescriptions can be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months of the original prescription date
DEA ordering limits: Pharmacies must maintain DEA registration and face limits on how much they can stock and dispense — contributing to stocking challenges
Telehealth prescribing: Under the DEA telehealth extension through December 31, 2026, Testim can be prescribed via telehealth without an in-person visit
Never share Testim with others, as this is illegal and potentially dangerous. Store Testim securely and discard used tubes safely in household trash to prevent accidental exposure.
The most common side effects reported in Testim clinical trials (occurring in 2% or more of patients and greater than placebo):
Application site reactions (redness, itching, burning, or rash at the shoulder/upper arm application site)
Increased hematocrit (elevated red blood cell count/polycythemia)
Headache
Acne or oily skin
Mood changes (irritability, emotional shifts)
Gynecomastia (breast tissue development in men)
Fluid retention / ankle swelling
Increased blood pressure
Secondary testosterone exposure (Boxed Warning): Virilization in children or women who have skin contact with application sites
Venous thromboembolism (DVT/PE): Blood clots in legs or lungs — seek emergency care for chest pain or leg swelling
Cardiovascular events: Possible increased risk of heart attack and stroke (evidence inconclusive)
Sleep apnea: May worsen pre-existing or cause new sleep apnea, especially in obese patients
Prostate issues: May stimulate prostate growth; increased risk of BPH symptom worsening and possible prostate cancer
Fertility impairment: Suppresses sperm production (spermatogenesis); effect may be irreversible
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Generic Testosterone 1% Gel
Bioequivalent to brand Testim — same active ingredient, same dose, same application sites. Widely available and significantly cheaper (as low as $87/month with GoodRx).
AndroGel (1% or 1.62%)
Most widely prescribed testosterone gel in the U.S. Available in packets or pumps. Generic available from multiple manufacturers. 1.62% concentration allows lower volume per dose.
Fortesta (2% Testosterone Gel)
Applied to the front and inner thighs rather than shoulders. Higher concentration means smaller volume needed per dose. Different application site may suit some patients better.
Androderm (Testosterone Patch)
Transdermal patch worn on the back, abdomen, or upper arm. Eliminates gel transfer risk because it's covered at all times. Applied once daily. May cause skin irritation at patch site.
Testosterone Cypionate Injection
Injectable testosterone given intramuscularly every 1-2 weeks. Most cost-effective TRT option at $30-$110/month generic. In intermittent shortage since 2023. Requires self-injection training.
Prefer Testim? We can find it.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
majorTestosterone can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. More frequent monitoring of INR and prothrombin time is required. Warfarin dose adjustment may be needed.
Insulin / Antidiabetic drugs
moderateAndrogens may lower blood glucose by improving insulin sensitivity. Patients on insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents may experience hypoglycemia. Monitor blood sugar carefully and adjust diabetes medication doses if needed.
Corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone)
moderateConcurrent use with ACTH or corticosteroids may enhance fluid and sodium retention, increasing edema risk. Use with caution in patients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease.
Propranolol / Beta-blockers
minorTestosterone may increase clearance of propranolol in some patients, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate response. Effect may be less pronounced with topical versus injectable testosterone.
Oxyphenbutazone
moderateConcurrent androgens and oxyphenbutazone may result in elevated serum oxyphenbutazone levels.
Testim is a well-established, effective testosterone gel for adult men with clinically diagnosed hypogonadism. It delivers stable testosterone levels through the skin, avoids liver toxicity, and has been used safely in testosterone replacement therapy for decades. The key challenges for patients are cost (brand Testim is expensive without insurance) and pharmacy availability (many chains don't routinely stock it).
For most patients, the most practical path forward is to ask their doctor about switching to generic testosterone 1% gel, which is bioequivalent to Testim, widely available, and costs as little as $87/month with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons. If brand Testim is medically necessary, independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies are the best stocking options, and the Endo Pharmaceuticals patient assistance program is available for eligible uninsured patients (call 1-800-462-3636).
If you're having trouble finding a pharmacy that can fill your Testim prescription, medfinder can help. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones have your medication in stock and can fill your prescription, texting you the results so you can skip the hold music.
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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
Real-time availability
Medfinder is actively checking pharmacy inventory for Testim. We don't publish a number until we have enough verified pharmacy checks to be accurate — start a search and our team confirms current availability near you, usually within 24 hours.
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