SANDOZ and Juno have notified the TGA of shortages of their estradiol and combination estradiol/norethisterone transdermal patch products used for hormone replacement therapy in the management of perimenopause and menopause.
The Climara brand of HRT transdermal patches was discontinued at the end of 2023, which has contributed to the supply constraints of alternative products.
The TGA has approved the supply of several overseas-registered estradiol-containing transdermal patches that pharmacists can order and supply using existing prescriptions.
The regulatory authority advises pharmacists to call the approval holders, Sandoz on 1800 726 369 or Medsurge Healthcare on 1300 788 261, for details about ordering these products.
The 37.5mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg strengths of some of the overseas-registered alternative estradiol HRT products are subsidised on the PBS.
Under the SSSI that is in place, and if pharmacists consider it suitable in their professional and clinical judgement, they can substitute a prescribed estradiol transdermal patch with either an alternative brand of estradiol transdermal patch of the same strength or two packs of half the prescribed strength to make the same equivalent daily dose.
The patient may need instructions on how to apply an unfamiliar patch or multiple patches.
The TGA advises referring patients to the prescriber if substitution is inappropriate, an appropriate substitutable medicine is not available or alternative treatments other than substitution may be better. KB
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