Testosterone patches (Androderm): Discontinuation

When will this happen

The stock of Androderm patches in New Zealand expires in October 2024. Once that stock expires, no more Androderm patches will be coming to New Zealand. It is likely that from August 2024, it will be difficult to source the patches.

If you use Androderm patches

There are other treatments available that are fully funded. There's a testosterone gel and testosterone injections. You will need to talk to the person who prescribes your patches about the best alternative for you.

We know it can be frustrating to have to change the treatment you use. Pharmac looked for another supplier but hasn't found an alternative testosterone patch that is approved with Medsafe or could even be evaluated by Medsafe. Neither are there testosterone patches with approval of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia.

If you prescribe Androderm patches

Clinical advice from Pharmac's Endocrine Advisory Committee indicates that there are funded alternatives available. Options include testosterone gel (Testogel), which has been funded since 1 April 2024, and testosterone injections. 

Testosterone treatments listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule(external link)

Testosterone in the NZ Formulary(external link)

Information about Testogel

Testogel has been funded since 1 April 2024. Testogel has been approved by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. 

Datasheet for Testogel [PDF](external link)

Consumer Medicine Information sheet for Testogel [PDF](external link)

If you dispense Androderm patches

The patches expire October 2024. Wholesalers are likely to reduce the stock they are carrying from August 2024. We do not yet have a delisting date for the patches but will update this page once it's available.

We ask that you suggest to any of your patients who use the Androderm patches to talk to their prescriber about an alternative treatment.

Who to contact

If you use Androderm patches, you will need to talk to a health care professional you trust about the best alternative for you. Pharmac cannot give individual clinical advice. 

If you have questions about the funding of the patches or other testosterone products, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.

Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)