What Is a Testosterone Shortage?
A testosterone shortage occurs when a manufacturer cannot produce or supply enough of a specific product to meet demand. This can result from shortages of raw materials, manufacturing disruptions, or changes in production priorities.
When a manufacturer reports a shortage to Health Canada, distributors and pharmacies may soon experience limited availability. A reported shortage doesn’t always mean that no supply exists. Pharmacies or distributors may still have remaining stock for a limited time.
In February 2015, the Government of Canada announced that reporting of drug shortages would become mandatory for manufacturers. This requirement took effect in spring 2017, requiring all shortages to be reported to Health Product Shortages (formerly DrugShortagesCanada.ca). Tshortages.ca uses this data to track and present shortages in a simplified, patient-friendly format.
How Shortages Affect Patients
For Canadians who rely on testosterone, even a short disruption can be stressful. The impact often depends on where you fill your prescription:
- Large chain pharmacies such as Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, or Walmart often have larger inventories and may continue filling prescriptions longer.
- Independent or rural pharmacies usually keep smaller quantities and tend to run out much sooner.
- When both distributors and pharmacies run out, patients may need to find another pharmacy, switch products, or speak with their prescriber about alternatives.
→ Why Some Pharmacies Handle Testosterone Shortages Better Than Others
Why Do Testosterone Shortages Keep Happening?
Drug shortages are a global issue, but testosterone products are especially vulnerable in Canada.
Limited Manufacturers
Canada now has only one manufacturer for each major injectable testosterone product: Hikma for enanthate and Taro for cypionate. When either of these products experiences production delays or supply interruptions, there are no domestic alternatives to absorb the impact. This creates a fragile system where a single manufacturer’s issue can affect patients nationwide.
Narrow Supply Chains
Both active ingredients and carrier oils are imported into Canada. Any disruption in international shipping, raw material sourcing, or quality control can delay manufacturing and distribution.
Shifts in Manufacturing Priorities
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfizer redirected production toward vaccines, contributing to a prolonged shortage of Depo-Testosterone from July 2021 to May 2023. Pfizer entered another shortage on January 17, 2025, and officially discontinued Depo-Testosterone on October 23, 2025. This leaves Taro as the sole producer of testosterone cypionate in Canada, increasing pressure on the supply chain.
What a Reported Shortage Means for You
If your pharmacy tells you your testosterone product is in shortage:
- Ask if they still have stock or can place an order from another distributor.
- Check other pharmacies, including large national chains, for availability.
- Stay informed through Tshortages.ca, which tracks the latest shortage data from Health Canada.
→ More Tips for Avoiding Shortages
A shortage doesn’t always mean your treatment will be interrupted, but understanding how shortages unfold can help you plan ahead.
Testosterone shortages in Canada have become more frequent and longer-lasting in recent years. While most are eventually resolved, some, such as this Taro Testosterone Cypionate shortage, have persisted for more than a year. Being aware of the supply landscape and staying informed can help reduce disruptions to your treatment.