Oestradiol (Estradot) patches: Supply issue
There is a global supply issue affecting oestradiol patches.
17 April 2025 | Update
Supply status added. Stock of all brands and strengths is available at the supplier. The stock available at your local pharmacy may differ.
We are consulting on a proposal to fund two brands of oestradiol patches.
Proposal to fund Estradot as an alternative brand of oestradiol patches(external link) (Consultation closes 22 April 2025)
Stock availability
This table gives stock levels at the supplier level. Stock at your local pharmacy may differ.
| Brand | 25 mcg | 50 mcg | 75 mcg | 100 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estradot | Stock available | Stock available | Stock available | Stock available |
| Estradiol TDP Mylan | Stock available | Stock available | Stock available | Stock available |
| Lyllana | Stock available | Stock available | Stock available | Stock available |
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 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 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.
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.