Pharmacists have said trying to get hold of the two most popular HRT patches is like a lottery (file picture). Photo: BSIP via AFP
The supply of estradiol patches in New Zealand is expected to improve next year when Pharmac switches to funding a new brand of the medicine in July.
The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches, most commonly used by people going through menopause, have been in short supply and reached critical levels this year.
Pharmac announced today it has contracted Viatris to supply Estradiol TDP Mylan from 1 July 2025, on the condition the company gets full regulatory approval for use in New Zealand.
That patch is already being used in Aotearoa, along with other brands, to help with the current shortage of HRT patches.
Pharmac director of equity and engagement Dr Nicola Ngawati said this decision - alongside funding oestradiol gel from November - will significantly improve the supply of oestradiol treatments.
"We know it's been tough for people dealing with the ongoing shortage of oestradiol patches, so we expect this decision to improve the supply issues", she said.
"The supplier has assured Pharmac that it can produce enough patches to meet the demand in New Zealand."
Estradiol TDP Mylan will be the main funded brand of HRT patches from 1 July 2025 and will become the only funded brand available from 1 December 2025.
Ngawati said the decision to change the main funded brand of patches means some people will need to change the brand they use, which she acknowledged could be a difficult transition for some.
"This won't be easy for some people as they might prefer other brands or find them better to use," she said
"Our clinical advisors have told us that this brand is clinically acceptable and that consistent access to the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand of oestradiol patches, and access to an oestradiol gel, will meet the health needs of people who require this medicine."
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