Source: PHARMAC
Pharmac is making it easier for people to access oestradiol treatment, by making it easier and more convenient for people to use the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand of patches.
From 1 September 2026, people will be able to collect up to three months’ supply of Estradiol TDP Mylan patches from their pharmacy at a time, rather than the previous one month’s supply. Pharmac will also remove the current limit of two patches per week for this brand, allowing people to get more of their treatment at once.
“People have told us they want to be able to collect more of their treatment in one go, rather than needing to go back to the pharmacy as often,” says Pharmac’s Chief Advisor Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin.
“These changes make it much easier for people to use the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand of patches as an option, where it is right for them.”
Pharmac funds a range of oestradiol treatments so that people can use what is most suitable for them, including two brands of patches, Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot, as well as other options such as gel and tablets.
“We know that while different brands of patches are expected to work the same, that hasn’t been everyone’s experience,” says Martin. “Having options matters and making Estradiol TDP Mylan patches easier to use helps more people access it where it is right for them.”
Estradot patches continue to be affected by global supply constraints, and supply remains tight and uncertain.
“Because of this, we’re not making the same changes to the dispensing limits of the Estradot brand of patches,” says Martin. “Instead, we’re making it easier to use Estradiol TDP Mylan patches, which has more secure supply.
“This will help reduce pressure on the limited Estradot patches stock and preserve it for people who need it.”
This approach has been informed by engagement with clinicians and advocacy groups, who have helped shape the changes to better meet people’s needs.
Pharmac funded two brands of oestradiol patches, Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot, from December 2025. At the time, we said we would review the patch limits and dispensing rules after 12 months, based on how supply was tracking.
Estradot patches have been affected by ongoing global supply constraints for some time. As supply continues to be constrained the current patch limits and dispensing rules for Estradot need to remain in place at this time. When a higher strength product is unavailable, using multiple lower strength products may seem like a simple solution. However, if large numbers of people switch to the lower strength, it can quickly increase demand and put supply of that strength at risk as well.
Consumers and clinicians have told us that allowing stat dispensing (three-month supply all at once) and removing the patch limit on the TDP Mylan brand of patches would be a positive step to support uptake for people who can use the Mylan patch.
This change makes it easier for people to manage their treatment by reducing how often they need to visit the pharmacy. It also helps make better use of the available supply of oestradiol patches across both funded brands.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/12/pharmac-makes-access-to-estradiol-tdp-mylan-oestradiol-patches-easier-for-new-zealanders/