The TGA is urging doctors against initiating new patients on oestrogen patches, amid news that the shortage is expected to continue until December 2025.

Half a dozen transdermal oestradiol (Estradot) patches — which have been in short supply since 2020 — are currently unavailable across all strengths due to manufacturing issues.

And as of this month, the remaining brand of oestrogen patches (Estraderm) and combined oestradiol norethisterone acetate patches (Estalis) are also in limited supply.

The TGA said the shortage has been exacerbated by the discontinuation of 25µg and 50µg oestradiol (Climara) patches in December 2023 and March 2024 respectively.