Oestradiol patches: Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot will be your funded brands

Estradot patches: reports of quality and efficacy concerns

We understand that there are concerns about the efficacy of some batches of Estradot (oestradiol) patches. We recognise that this can be particularly worrying, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms.

Your wellbeing is important to us, and we’re committed to working with the health sector to address these concerns promptly.

Experiencing issues with patches?

If you have concerns about your batch of Estradot patches, please speak with your pharmacist about the brands and batches of oestradiol patches they have available. We suggest speaking to your pharmacist either before, or when you pick up your next supply of patches.

Once you leave the pharmacy with your supply of Estradot patches, the pharmacist cannot replace them. 

Any concerns about the efficacy of a batch of Estradot patches should be reported to Medsafe. These concerns can also be reported to the supplier, Sandoz.  

Reporting a problem | Medsafe website(external link)

If you experience any changes in health or have health concerns relating to your condition, please see your prescriber. 

What is being done about this issue?

Pharmac is responsible for the funding of medicines. Medsafe's role is to assess medicines to ensure they meet internationally agreed standards for safety, quality, and efficacy. 

Medsafe is currently investigating the concerns raised about the efficacy and adhesion of some batches of Estradot patches. 

Monitoring communication: Estradot (estradiol) transdermal patches(external link)

Pharmac is committed to ensuring that people can access the treatments that they need. There are currently two funded brands of oestradiol patches: Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot.

What are the alternatives to Estradot?

There are plenty of Estradiol TDP Mylan patches available in New Zealand. There are also other treatment options, such as an oestradiol gel (Estrogel) or tablets (Estrofem, Progynova), which are in stock but would require a new prescription from your prescriber before they can be supplied by your pharmacy.

What has changed?

The main funded brands of oestradiol patches have changed to Estradiol TDP Mylan (supplied by Viatris) and Estradot (supplied by Sandoz).

From 1 December 2025, everyone who uses funded oestradiol patches will need to use either the Estradiol TDP Mylan or Estradot brands. Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot will be the only funded brands of oestradiol patches from 1 December 2025. We understand most people are already using these brands.

Decision to fund the Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot brands of oestradiol patches

Media release Pharmac to fund two brands of oestradiol patches from 1 December 2025

Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot are already available

Both Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot have been approved by Medsafe, this means they meet international standards for quality, effectiveness, and safety. Estradiol TDP Mylan contains the same active ingredient, in the same quantities, as the Estradot brand of oestradiol patches. It is used in other countries, like the United States, already.

Medsafe datasheet: Estradiol transdermal patches (Mylan) [PDF](external link)

Estradot transdermal patches (Sandoz) [PDF](external link)

Stock status

There is currently ample stock of both brands of patches. We are continuing to monitor the supply situation and will provide an update if there are further supply issues.

There is still a global supply issue affecting Estradot patches

Pharmac has secured as much Estradot as the supplier can provide. However, there may be times when there is not enough Estradot for everyone who needs it.

The issues we’re experiencing are part of a global shortage of oestradiol patches. Demand for oestradiol patches has increased significantly in New Zealand and internationally, and the manufacturer of Estradot has not been able to produce enough to meet this growing demand.

This is not specific to New Zealand. Shortages are being experienced in many other countries, including Australia.

The patches limit and dispensing rules will remain

To help manage supply, both the Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot brands of oestradiol patches will continue to have a ‘2 patch per week’ limit on each strength. People will also continue to receive one month’s supply at a time from their pharmacy.

Maintaining the patch limit, and keeping monthly dispensing, will mean that more people will have access to the strength of Estradot patches they need. Changing or removing these limits would put pressure on demand, which would increase the risk of these patches not being available.

Pharmac will review the patch limit and dispensing rules in 12 months depending on the supply outlook.

What does this mean for people using oestradiol patches?

From 1 December 2025, your pharmacy is likely to start giving you the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand of oestradiol patches. The Estradot brand of oestradiol patches may also be available if you, or your prescriber request it.

So that the people who need Estradot can get it, we are asking you to use Estradiol TDP Mylan if you can. You can ask your pharmacist to dispense the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand for you.

From 1 December 2025, the Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot brands of oestradiol patches will be the only funded brands.

Information for pharmacists

So that there is enough stock of Estradot for the people who need it, please consider dispensing the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand for prescriptions written generically.

You will need to stock both the Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot brands of oestradiol patches.

Brand switch fee

A Brand Switch Fee will apply to the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand from 1 December 2025 until 28 February 2026.

Free printed flyer

You asked for a pre-printed resource to give to people affected by this decision. 

Bluestar order form for A5 patient fliers(external link) 

In the meantime, the flyer is also available to download 

Information for prescribers

Please note on the prescription a person’s preferred brand of oestradiol patches.

So that there is enough stock of Estradot for the people who need it, we are asking you to consider prescribing:

• the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand of oestradiol patches for people starting treatment.
• the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand of oestradiol patches for people who are already using it without concern.
• the Estradot brand of oestradiol patches for people who need it.

Who to contact

If you have any questions about our decision or the funding arrangements, email us on enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz