Latest news with #EstradiolTDPMylan
NZ Herald
21 hours ago
- Health
- NZ Herald
Pharmac makes U-turn and will fund Estradot and Mylan oestradiol patches from late 2025
Pharmac has made a funding U-turn and announced it will fund two brands of hormone replacement patches – Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan – from December. People will be able to use either brand of patch, subject to availability. Pharmac, the government agency that decides which medicines and related products
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
HRT Patches Decision Important For Rural Women
Pharmac's decision to fund both Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot hormone replacement (HRT) patches is an important outcome for rural women, says Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ). 'This is a meaningful decision for women, including many in rural areas, concerned about losing access to the menopause treatment that works best for them,' says National President Sandra Matthews. 'Every woman's experience of menopause is different. The initial decision to fund only one brand of patches left many women feeling unsupported and ignored. It is encouraging to see Pharmac listening to public feedback and responding with a more inclusive approach that restores choice to women managing menopause.' It is slightly disappointing, however that due to ongoing supply constraints, Pharmac has not been able to extend dispensing quantities beyond monthly scripts. 'For rural women living far from pharmacies, accessing the patches they need monthly places a frequent burden on their time and travel,' says Matthews. 'We encourage Pharmac to keep working with suppliers to address these issues and improve equity of access for those in more remote parts of the country.'
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Pharmac To Fund Two Brands Of Oestradiol Patches From 1 December 2025
Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches – Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan – from 1 December 2025. People will be able to use either brand of patch, subject to availability. From this date, the other currently funded brands of oestradiol patches will no longer be funded. 'We know how important it is for people to have access to the treatment that works best for them,' says Pharmac's Manager of Pharmaceutical Funding, Adrienne Martin. 'We've heard very clearly from many people, that while different brands of patches should work the same, this is not everyone's experience. 'That's why we're funding two brands – so that people can access the oestradiol patches they need, depending on availability.' Earlier this year, Pharmac asked for feedback on a proposal to fund both the Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan brands of oestradiol patches. More than 1,100 people responded to the consultation. 'Most people supported the proposal, especially the continued funding of Estradot. Some people expressed concerns about also funding the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand, while others wanted more brands funded alongside Estradot. 'We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences with menopause and using oestradiol patches,' says Martin. 'Your feedback has had a real impact on this decision.' Pharmac has secured as much Estradot as the supplier can provide. However, global supply issues remain. Demand for oestradiol patches has increased significantly in New Zealand and internationally, and the manufacturer of Estradot has not been able to produce enough to meet this growing demand. 'There may still 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.' To help manage supply, both brands 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. We heard from people who wanted us to remove the patch limit and change the dispensing rules,' says Martin. 'We acknowledge how frustrating these limits are for people but changing or removing them would put pressure on demand, which would increase the risk of these patches not being available. 'We will review the patch limit and dispensing rules in 12 months depending on the supply outlook.' Pharmac will continue to monitor supply and work to ensure people can access the treatments they need.
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Pharmac Funding U-Turn For Patients
Associate Minister of Health Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the oestradiol patch funding decision is an example of Pharmac's new patient-centric approach. From December 2025 Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches, Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan. 'Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch. They heard very clearly that the TDP Mylan brand of patch did not work for everyone, and that people wanted options,' Mr Seymour says. 'I'm pleased to see Pharmac's responsiveness to the voices of patients by funding both brands. This decision reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centric approach. 'The community let Pharmac know that they weren't consulted enough on the original decision. Pharmac has learnt from this, and has added an additional consultation step to its annual tender process to seek feedback when considering a medicine brand change. This patient-centric approach was taken in today's funding decision. 'Pharmac worked and engaged with people who use oestradiol patches, menopause specialists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, advocacy groups and petition founders in making the decision to fund both brands of patches. 'People should have the opportunity to share what the impact of brand changes would be for them, and what support would be required if there was a change to their current medicine. 'Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people living with an illness, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines, this is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement. 'I expect all key groups to be involved in changes to funded medicine brands through the annual tender. This approach ensures stakeholder engagement while managing financial and operational impacts. The annual tender process is a key mechanism for Pharmac to manage pharmaceutical expenditure at a relatively low transactional cost. Once a year Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main suppliers of certain medicines. This process can realise between $30 million and $50 million savings per year to spend on new treatments. 'The redirection of Pharmac remains positive and continues towards a more adaptable and patient-centred approach to funding medicines,' says Mr Seymour. 'The decisions to fund Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan, and to improve consultation criteria on the annual tender process follows the Pharmac Consumer Engagement Workshop Report, and my letter of expectations, are positive steps towards a system which works for the people it serves.'
