Pharmac funding both Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan brands of oestradiol patches

Kia ora,

This is a reminder following on from our notification in June regarding the change in funded brands of oestradiol patches.

From 1 December 2025, the funded brands of oestradiol patches will be Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot. Everyone who uses funded oestradiol patches will need to use either of these brands.

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.

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.

  
  

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

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.

Pharmac has opened a portal for prescribers and practices to order free leaflets on the changes, to give to their patients. Please order here: https://portal.bluestar.co.nz/WebForm/PHARMAC?form=Oestradiol%20patch. You can view the flyer on the Pharmac website.

The following brands of oestradiol patches will be delisted on 1 December 2025:

• Lyllana

• Estradiol Sandoz

• Estradiol Viatris

• Estraderm MX

We will provide regular updates on stock availability of both brands on the Pharmac website.

Pharmac also funds other medicines used in menopause hormone treatment. These include oestradiol gel (Estrogel, fully funded), and oestradiol tablets (Estrofem, partially funded) or oestradiol valerate (Progynova, fully funded).

If you have any questions, email us on enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz.

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Pharmac Implementation Team

Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington

P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz