Jenna Scullin and Dr Anna Gilmour have started this petition on behalf of those in New Zealand who rely on this medication.

Update: Please sign the following petition regarding Estradot funding in NZ https://www.change.org/p/mandate-government-funding-for-keeping-estradot-hrt-patches-funded-for-menopausal-women

Pharmac have announced that from 1 December 2025, the only brand of oestrogen patch that will be funded in New Zealand will be the Mylan brand. Viatris, the supplier of Mylan won the tender and have been awarded the exclusive supply agreement for oestrogen patches in New Zealand, meaning that Estradot will no longer receive any funding.

While we appreciate Pharmac’s efforts to ensure access to affordable medicines, this decision raises significant issues for the thousands of patients who rely on oestrogen patches for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

There are a number of issues with this decision, including:

1. Limited Choice Does Not Address Individual Needs  

Each patient’s response to HRT varies, and not all patients tolerate Mylan oestrogen patches well. Some may experience allergic reactions, skin irritation, or difficulty adhering to the patch due to its design or adhesive properties. By subsidising only one brand, women who do not tolerate this option face the burden of either discontinuing treatment or paying full price for alternative brands, which may be prohibitively expensive.  

2. Barriers to Continuity of Care  

For patients currently using other brands of oestrogen patches successfully, being forced to switch to Mylan patches disrupts their treatment. Adjusting to a new brand may cause fluctuations in hormone levels, and potentially have an impact on various symptoms including brain fog, fatigue, mood swings and hot flashes. This disruption can negatively impact quality of life and overall health, which has a knock-on effect on productivity in the workplace.  

3. Lack of Equity for Low-Income Population

For patients unable to tolerate Mylan patches, the unsubsidised cost of alternative oestrogen patches places them at a financial disadvantage. This creates a two-tiered system where wealthier patients can afford the treatment best suited to them, while lower-income patients are forced to use a less effective or tolerable option—or forgo treatment altogether. Such inequities are contrary to the principles of accessible healthcare.  

4. Potential Risk of Non-Adherence  

When patients experience adverse effects or challenges with a specific treatment, they are more likely to discontinue therapy altogether. For patients on HRT, non-adherence can result in the return of severe menopausal symptoms, increased risk of osteoporosis, and other long-term health consequences.  We now know without a doubt that access to HRT can be lifesaving, and for many women Estradot is what they have chosen as a safe and effective management of their menopausal symptoms and their long-term health risks.

We urge Pharmac to reconsider its policy and explore options to subsidise multiple brands of oestrogen patches. This approach would provide patients in New Zealand with the flexibility to select a treatment that best suits their individual needs, ensuring equitable access to high-quality care. Failing to subsidise a medication that is available and is the more commonly tolerated formulation of it’s class is a huge step backward for those in New Zealand who require it.