Source: PHARMAC
Last month, Pharmac announced that from 1 December 2025, two brands of oestradiol patches would be funded for New Zealanders – Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot.
This decision follows months of listening to, and working with, people who use oestradiol patches after initial criticism of Pharmac’s approach.
“In late 2024, we announced a move to a single funded brand of oestradiol patch through the annual tender,” says Adrienne Martin, Manager of Pharmaceuticals.
“While we made this decision to try and manage the impact of global supply issues on New Zealanders, the community response quickly told us that we hadn’t considered everything we needed to,” Martin says.
“People shared that while different brands of patches should work the same, this is not everyone’s experience.
“Many felt anxious, frustrated, and in some cases, let down by the decision. They were also concerned that they hadn’t been consulted – and that their voices hadn’t been heard,” Martin says.
Pharmac engaged with the community, meeting with people who use oestradiol patches, menopause specialists, GPs, and pharmacists. The team also spoke directly with the founders of online petitions calling for the decision to be reviewed.
“It became clear to us that people needed options,” Martin says. “We took that feedback seriously and worked hard to reflect it in an updated proposal.”
In March 2025, Pharmac consulted on a proposal to fund two brands of patches – Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan. More than 1,100 people responded. Most supported the proposal, including the continued funding of the Estradot brand.
Pharmac has now confirmed that both brands will be funded from December 2025. This means people will have the option to use either Estradot or Estradiol TDP Mylan, depending on what works best for them and what’s available.
“Although there are no issues with the availability of Estradiol TDP Mylan, there may be times when Estradot isn’t available for everyone who needs it” says Martin. “That’s why having another funded brand available is so important.
“This decision is a direct result of the feedback we received. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences. Your voices helped shape this outcome.”
About the oestradiol patch brand change and supply monitoring
