Oestradiol (Estradot) patches: Supply issue
There is a global supply issue affecting oestradiol patches.
18 December 2024 | Update
Patches remain available in all strengths.
In November, we announced that we would be changing the principal brand of patches from Estradot to Estradiol TDP Mylan in July 2025. We received significant feedback about the decision. As a result, we are now exploring options for alternative brands of oestradiol patches
What is happening?
Supply of all oestradiol patches is limited. The availability of patches can change rapidly and varies around the country.
We want to acknowledge the stress this supply issue may be causing. We recently announced a decision that aimed to make sure people could continue to access this product.
Pharmac changes brand of funded oestradiol patches
Suppliers are continuing to experience growing demand for patches
Some stock of all strengths strengths is in the supply chain, but may not be available at your pharmacy. If you use patches, check with your pharmacy if they have any.
The supplier and wholesalers are limiting how many patches are sent to pharmacies. As this product is in high demand, as soon as it is in stock at a pharmacy, it can run out again quickly.
If you are a pharmacy, check with your wholesaler on patch availability.
Schedule listings for all oestradiol patches(external link)
Supply status of other funded oestradiol products
At this time we are not aware of any supply issues for oestradiol (Estrogel and the partially funded Estrofem) or oestradiol valerate (branded as Progynova, fully funded).
It is important to note that these are different medicines so will require a new prescription and guidance from a health care professional.
What is Pharmac doing?
Pharmac and the supplier have been sourcing alternative brands of patches to try to keep up with demand. Unfortunately, we have not always been able to prevent supply gaps.
We have funded Estrogel from 1 November 2024.
Decision to fund oestradiol gel and to award Principal Supply Status to Estrogel
We have run a tender round to find a supplier that can ensure demand for patches in New Zealand can be met. We announced that Viatris' Estradiol TDP Mylan would be the main funded brand from from 1 July 2025.
Pharmac changes brand of funded oestradiol patches(external link)
Following the decision to fund the Mylan brand of patch, Pharmac received significant feedback about the importance of having multiple brands of oestradiol patches available.
Pharmac is exploring options for alternative brands of oestradiol patches
Costs to people using patches
Patch limit
Pharmac funds a maximum of eight patches of each strength per month. Your pharmacist may need to dispense more than 8 patches of the same strength to ensure you get the right dose, but you will need to pay extra.
You will need to ask your pharmacist what the cost will be. Pharmac cannot control the private market for medicines. Each pharmacy will have its own approach to charging to cover costs for these patches.
We understand the frustration having to pay extra may cause. Pharmac has not lifted the patch restriction because of concerns about running out of the lower strength patches more rapidly.
We are exploring options that could help with supply issues for oestradiol patches, including reviewing the restriction. However, we need to carefully consider this alongside available supply to make sure we don’t do anything that could make the situation worse. We are constantly reviewing and monitoring the situation and working with our suppliers to see what we can do.
Information for pharmacists
Changing presentations between repeats
We understand that software limitations have prevented pharmacists from being able to claim on patches when they've had to change presentation between repeats, e.g. from 50 mcg patches to 100 mcg patches.
While the Schedule Rules allow pharmacists to do this, it has not always been practical. The Pharmacy Guild is working with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora are working to resolve these claiming issues.
Why is this happening?
Demand for oestradiol patches continues to grow apace – from 2 million patches dispensed in 2021/22 to 5.1 million patches in 2024/25. Demand is expected to continue to increase.
This issue is global. Australia is also experiencing issues with supply of oestradiol patches, similar to New Zealand.
International suppliers are also reporting extraordinary increases in demand for oestradiol patches. As a result, they are building up their production capabilities. However, they continue to experience challenges in meeting this increasing demand.
Who to contact
If you are a prescriber or pharmacist with questions about this tender, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
If you use the oestradiol patches, contact your health professional. Pharmac cannot give clinical advice about the best treatments for you.