Testosterone Shortages in Canada
What should I do if my pharmacy says my testosterone is out of stock?
First, ask if they can order it from another distributor. Some pharmacies have access to multiple suppliers.
If not, contact other pharmacies — including large chains like Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, or Walmart — which may still have stock after a shortage is declared.
If you find a pharmacy with stock, you can ask them to transfer your prescription directly from your regular pharmacy.
You can also check Tshortages.ca to confirm whether your product is officially listed as in shortage by Health Canada.
How can I avoid running out during a shortage?
Try to refill early and keep a small buffer supply on hand, if possible. It’s also a good idea to keep a backup supply in case of natural disasters. Many shortages resolve within a couple of months, so maintaining even one backup vial can prevent treatment interruptions.
Ask your prescriber to note on your prescription that you may purchase two vials at a time.
Can I switch brands if my usual product is unavailable?
It depends on the type of testosterone.
- Cypionate to Cypionate: Pharmacies can substitute one brand for another if it’s the same drug (e.g., Taro and Pfizer’s former Depo-Testosterone). Since Depo-Testosterone has been discontinued, this is no longer an option.
- Cypionate to Enanthate (or vice versa): Usually requires a new prescription from your prescriber.
- Gels: Substitution between AndroGel (sachet), Taro Testosterone Gel, and Testim is generally allowed. However, AndroGel pump and sachet formats are not interchangeable without prescriber approval.
If you’re unsure which alternatives are safe for you, talk to your prescriber before switching.
What’s the difference between testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate?
In Canada, the main difference between these two injectable forms of testosterone is their concentration and carrier oil.
- Testosterone cypionate (made by Taro) is supplied at 100 mg/mL and suspended in cottonseed oil.
- Testosterone enanthate (made by Hikma) is supplied at 200 mg/mL and suspended in sesame oil.
In practice, cypionate and enanthate are very similar, and most people can switch without noticing a major difference. Some people report small subjective differences — for example, that cypionate feels slightly longer-lasting or causes a bit more water retention — but these impressions aren’t supported by clinical data.
Chemically, the difference comes down to their ester chains. Cypionate has an 8-carbon chain, while enanthate has 7 carbons. The longer chain makes cypionate slightly more oil-soluble and slower to release, giving it a longer half-life — typically 12–14 days versus about 7 days for enanthate.
Why does half-life matter?
Half-life determines how often injections are needed to maintain stable hormone levels. Because cypionate stays active in the body a little longer, it can sometimes be dosed every 10–14 days. Enanthate, with its shorter half-life, is usually injected once per week to prevent fluctuations. Some people still choose weekly dosing for both, as smaller, more frequent doses can reduce peaks and troughs in hormone levels.
Regardless of which product you use, always read the label carefully so that you know exactly what formulation and concentration you’re injecting. Using the wrong volume or misunderstanding your product could result in an incorrect dose.
If I switch between testosterone cypionate and enanthate, do I need to change my injection volume?
Yes. In Canada, cypionate and enanthate come in different concentrations, which means you’ll need to adjust the amount you draw into the syringe to keep your dose the same.
- Testosterone cypionate is 100 mg/mL.
- Testosterone enanthate is 200 mg/mL — twice as concentrated.
If you switch from cypionate to enanthate, you will inject half the volume to get the same total dose. For example:
- A 100 mg dose of cypionate = 1 mL
- A 100 mg dose of enanthate = 0.5 mL
Your prescriber or pharmacist can confirm the correct volume for your prescribed dose. Always check what you’re dispensed before leaving the pharmacy, and don’t assume both products are dosed the same way. Using the wrong volume could lead to overdosing or underdosing, which may cause unwanted fluctuations in hormone levels.
Why can’t my pharmacy just get it from another province?
Pharmacies rely on national distributors — not interprovincial sharing — for their drug supply. If the manufacturer can’t ship enough product to the distributors, the shortage affects all provinces simultaneously. This is why shortages reported to Health Canada apply across the entire country.
Are testosterone pellets or long-acting injections available in Canada?
No. Pellets are small implants placed under the skin that release testosterone over several months. Long-acting injections (such as Nebido/Aveed) work in a similar way, providing sustained hormone levels with fewer doses. Both options are available in other countries.
Testosterone therapy in Canada currently relies on shorter-acting options such as injections, gels, nasal products, or oral capsules, which require more frequent dosing and ongoing management.
However, Nebido (testosterone undecanoate) may soon become available in Canada, pending regulatory approval.
Can my prescriber switch me to a different form of testosterone?
Yes, but it requires a new prescription.
Switching from injectable testosterone to a gel, nasal, or oral product can be an option, but be aware that it may:
- Take time for your hormone levels to stabilize
- Feel different in terms of energy or mood
- Cost more, depending on insurance coverage
Always make the switch under medical supervision.
I’m allergic to cottonseed oil. What are my options?
In Canada, testosterone cypionate is suspended in cottonseed oil, while testosterone enanthate uses sesame oil. If you’re allergic to cottonseed oil, testosterone enanthate is the only standard injectable option in Canada.
If that product is also in shortage, a compounding pharmacy may be able to prepare a custom injectable using an alternative carrier oil. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber for help arranging this, but note that compounding is more expensive and takes time.
What happens if I miss a dose because of a shortage?
You might start to notice low-testosterone symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, or mood changes within two weeks of missing your last injection. If you’re unable to find your medication, contact your prescriber right away to discuss options for temporarily adjusting your dosage or switching formulations.
Avoid sharing prescription medication, as testosterone is a controlled substance in Canada.
How can I stay updated about current shortages?
Check Tshortages.ca for the latest testosterone shortage data from Health Canada, presented in a clear and patient-friendly format.
Testosterone shortages are unpredictable, but being proactive helps. Refill early, stay informed, and work with your pharmacist or prescriber when supply issues arise.