HRT Patch Shortages Set to Continue Into 2026
27 Jan 2026
The TGA’s latest update says supplies of Estradot 37.5 and Estraderm MX 100 should return to normal by next month. However, shortages of Estradot 25, 50, 75 and 100 are now forecast to continue until 31 December 2026.
To manage the ongoing supply problems, the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument, first introduced in November 2024 for estradiol products, has been extended until 28 February 2027.
GP and women’s health expert Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis told newsGP the situation is deeply frustrating and places extra pressure on general practice. She said the shortages reflect a lack of progress and ongoing neglect in women’s health.
According to Associate Professor Simonis, supply problems linked to the COVID-19 pandemic were never fully resolved, despite earlier promises that production would increase and stabilise by the end of 2025. She said ongoing disruptions are unacceptable and that substituting different products does not always produce the same clinical results for women.
The TGA said pharmaceutical companies Sandoz and Juno Pharmaceuticals have advised that shortages are continuing due to manufacturing issues and an unexpected rise in demand. It also noted that fluctuating global supply makes it difficult to predict which HRT patch products will be available in Australia at any given time.
The regulator has advised prescribers to consider the shortages when starting new patients on HRT, encouraging limits on new initiations to protect supply for existing patients.
Associate Professor Simonis described the situation as a gender equity issue, highlighting the impact of disrupted access to treatments that support women’s hormonal health, wellbeing and quality of life.
(Source: newsGP)