MHT Shortages

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) discontinuation and shortages February 2026

Australia

Patch Shortages

There are a number of MHTs that are currently unavailable. Please note that the TGA has approved some unregistered products under Section 19A and some substitute doses are currently in supply in Australia. Pharmacists are encouraged to contact suppliers Medsurge Healthcare Pty Ltd on 1300 788 261 for orders of Estramon, and Sandoz on 1800 726 369 for orders of Estradiol Transdermal System.

The shortages of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches containing estradiol will continue throughout 2026. To help manage the ongoing shortages, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has extended the current Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) for these products to 28 February 2027. The instrument allows pharmacists to dispense an alternative brand or strength of HRT patches, if appropriate, without a new prescription. For detailed information about the shortage, the SSSI and important factors when considering a substitution, visit About the shortage of transdermal HRT patches. 
 

Oestradiol patches

Dose	Availability and expected supply due		Alternative supply under Section 19A
	Estradot	Estraderm	Estramon
25 mcg	Unavailable – 31st December 2026	Available	Available
37.5 mcg	Unavailable – 6 March 2026
50 mcg	Unavailable – 31st December 2026	Shortage expected from  27 Mar 2026	Available
75 mcg	Unavailable – 31st December 2026	Available	Available
100 mcg	Unavailable – 31st December 2026	Unavailable – 22nd May 2026	Available

Combined patches

Dose	Estalis Sequi	Estalis Conti
50/140	Available	Available
50/250	Available	Available

All doses of Climara have been deleted from the market and there will be a reduction in supply until supply is exhausted.

The AMS Guide to MHT Doses (Australia only) provides a guideline to approximately equivalent doses of the different MHT/HRT products in Australia.

New Zealand

As at 26^th February, patch availability is provided below.

Estradot	Viatris
Available	Unavailable. Expected supply April 2026

The main funded brands of oestradiol patches are changing to Estradiol TDP Mylan (supplied by Viatris) and Estradot (supplied by Sandoz). From 1 December 2025, everyone who uses funded oestradiol patches will need to use either the Estradiol TDP Mylan or Estradot brands. Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot will be the only funded brands of oestradiol patches from 1 December 2025.

There is still a global supply issue affecting Estradot patches. 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 are part of a global shortage 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.

Estradot patches: reports of quality and efficacy concerns
A further update has been provided on the quality and efficacy concerns relating to Estradot (oestradiol) patches. Medsafe continues to investigate reports about patch adhesion and symptom control across several batches and strengths. Laboratory testing of estradiol content and release is underway, with results expected in early February. To date, no quality defects have been identified and no recall has been recommended. Women who are not experiencing issues are advised to continue using their patches, while those with concerns should speak with their pharmacist or prescriber and report issues to Medsafe. For latest updates, click here. 
 

More information can be found at the Pharmac Website. The AMS Guide to MHT Doses (New Zealand only) provides a guideline to approximately equivalent doses of the different MHT/HRT products in New Zealand.