Photo: COLLANGES / BSIP via AFP
People suffering symptoms of menopause or requiring hormone replacement could soon have access to a fully-funded prescription gel.
Pharmac is opening public consultation on a proposal to fund oestradiol gel which, if approved, is expected to be available from November this year.
The announcement comes amid a global shortage of oestradiol patches which is also being felt in New Zealand, with demand for the treatment more than tripling in over the past three years.
About 86,000 New Zealanders used oestradiol in some form in the last financial year.
Menopause doctor Linda Dear said having the gel available as an alternative to patches will mean fewer people will struggle to obtain this often life-changing therapy.
"I'm so happy that New Zealanders could soon have the option of a fully-funded oestradiol gel. The global supply issues with oestradiol patches have caused huge problems for people who use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)," Dear said.
"Having the gel as an alternative will mean fewer people will struggle to obtain this often life-changing therapy."
Following public consultation, the proposal will be taken to Pharmac's Board for a decision.
If it is approved, it will be available from 1 November.