Pharmac has announced a change to the funded brand of oestradiol patches in New Zealand. From 1 July 2025, most people who use funded oestradiol patches will begin receiving Estradiol TDP Mylan (supplied by Viatris). By 1 December 2025, Estradiol TDP Mylan will become the only funded oestradiol patch available in New Zealand.

This decision has been made in response to ongoing supply issues with oestradiol patches and aims to improve reliability of access. You can read the full announcement on the Pharmac website here.

What Does This Mean for You?

Estradiol TDP Mylan patches contain the same active ingredient (oestradiol) in the same doses as Estradot patches, and most women should not notice any significant changes in how they feel. However, the adhesive and patch design differ, and individual responses to adhesives can vary.

If you are currently using Estradot patches, your pharmacy is likely to start supplying the Mylan brand from July 2025. While many people will transition without issue, some may prefer to explore alternatives if they find the Mylan patches do not suit them.

Your Options

If you experience difficulties with the new brand, here are some options to consider:

1. Oestradiol Gel (Estrogel):

Estrogel is a transdermal option funded from 1 November 2024. It offers an alternative for those who prefer not to use patches or have specific sensitivities. Learn more in our recent update.

2. Non-Funded Patches:

Other brands of oestradiol patches may be available but will incur additional costs. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider if you are considering switching.

3. Oral Oestrogen:

1-2mg oral Oestradiol (usually the Progynova brand in New Zealand) is approximately equivalent to 50-100mcg of Oestradiol patches respectively. Oestrogen tablets may be suitable for people in their early to mid 50s or younger, without significant risk factors for blood clots, vascular disease or liver issues. If you have  a co-existing medical condition such as a migraine history, high blood pressure, or blood clot  history, transdermal estrogen is safer.

If you have concerns about the switch to Mylan patches or wish to explore other options, your GP or menopause specialist can help guide your decision.

What to Expect with Estradiol TDP Mylan

The Mylan patches are already in use in other countries and are provisionally approved by Medsafe, with full approval expected by July 2025. While most women will tolerate the new brand well, some may notice differences in how the patch adheres or feels on the skin. These differences are typically related to the adhesive or patch design rather than the medication itself.

Summary on Navigating the Planned Transition to Mylan

This change may feel unsettling, especially for women who are comfortable with Estradot patches. However,  the active ingredient remains the same, and for most women, this transition will be manageable. For those who encounter challenges, alternative options like Estrogel or non-funded patches are available.

We encourage anyone with concerns to speak with their pharmacist or prescriber for personalized advice. Staying informed can help you navigate this change with confidence.

For more detailed information about transdermal oestradiol options, see our article here.

A Note on Equity and Choice

Whilst it’s good that PHARMAC is recognizing the difficulties around the patch shortage and taking steps to alleviate it, it’s important to consider the varied needs of those who rely on hormone therapy. Everyone responds differently to hormone therapy, and some women feel better and prefer Estradot patches over other preparations.

Retaining Estradot alongside Mylan would allow women have the flexibility to choose the option that works best for their unique needs. Providing multiple options is critical to meeting diverse needs and promoting equity of care.

Have Your Say

During this important transition, your voice matters. If you feel strongly that both Estradot and Mylan patches should remain available as choices, we encourage you to provide feedback to PHARMAC.

Email your thoughts to enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz and share how access to both options could better serve the needs of all women navigating menopause.

Your input could help ensure that the needs of all women navigating menopause are better met during this challenging time.

We do not have funded affiliations with manufacturers or distributors of any of the oestrogen preparations mentioned here. The products mentioned in this article are simply to provide information on available options.