Oestradiol patches: Supply issue resolved

Last Updated: 6 May 2021

The supplier has advised that Estradot transdermal 75 mcg patches are available for supply now.

In February 2021, we advised that the Estradot brand 75 mcg patches were out of stock. We listed an alternative product from 1 March 2021.

The alternative was Estradiol TDP Mylan patches (75 mcg per day). The pharmacode is 2605317.

This product was not Medsafe approved. It had to be supplied in line with s 29 of the Medicines Act.

"Oestradiol patches: What is their place in the treatment of menopausal symptoms?" BPACnz website

Estradiol in the NZ Formulary

Who to contact

If you are a prescriber or pharmacist with questions about this supply issue:

phone the supplier Novartis on 0800 354 335
email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
phone PHARMAC on 0800 660 050

If you use the oestradiol patches, contact your health professional. PHARMAC cannot give clinical advice about the best treatments for you.

Previous supply issue

In August 2020, the 25 mcg and 50 mcg Estradot patches ran out. Both patches were available again by January 2021.

What we did to address the issue

We listed 2 alternatives to ensure people can continue to access the medicine they need. One patch was not approved by Medsafe and one patch had a different dosing regime.

25 mcg patches

Estradiol TDP Mylan 25 mcg per day patches (pharmacode 2601583) were listed on the Schedule from 1 November 2020 to cover the out of stock. They had to be supplied under section 29.

50 mcg patches

To cover the out of stock, we listed:

Climara 50 mcg per day (pharmacode 371114)
Estradiol 50 mcg per day patches (pharmacode 2601591)

Estradiol is an unapproved brand of oestradiol and needs to supplied in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981.

There was a dosing regimen change for Climara.

Dosing regimen difference for Climara

Note that there is a difference in dosing regimen for Climara. It should be applied every 7 days (i.e. once weekly). The other oestradiol patches should be applied twice a week.

Quantity restriction for Climara: 1 patch per week

Due to the dosing difference, we restricted Climara patches to no more than 1 patch per week in the Schedule from 1 July 2020