John Eden talks about alternatives for the Australian shortage of Oestrogen Patches.

July 28th, 2020

Oestrogen patches are one of the safest forms of HRT. For example, they do not have any effect on clotting risk (eg. DVT or pulmonary embolism) and so are safer than oral oestradiol for women at risk of thrombosis. There have been supply issues with oestrogen patches which has caused some confusion. Read Dr Eden’s advice on how you can use the patches available. 

Short supply of “Estradot” in Australia 

The 4th generation patches are called “Estradot” and represent the smallest of the patches. These have been in short supply, however, 3rd generation patches such as Climara (used once a week) and Estraderm MX (used twice a week) are still available.

What can I use as an alternative? 

Basically, all three patches, Estradot, Climara and Estraderm, can be used interchangeably and all of them can be cut. The Climara and Estraderm are larger patches than Estradot but work in a similar way. For example, if you have been prescribed Estradot 50µg patches, then Climara 50µg or Estraderm 50µg may be substituted. Otherwise, a 100µg patch of any of the three can be used and cut in half. That is equivalent to a 50µg patch.

An alternative transdermal therapy is EstroGel. One application is equivalent to 25µg patch and two applications 50µg patch.

If your doctor has prescribed an Estradot 50µg patch, then the Climara 50µg and Estraderm 50µg can be substituted without the need for a new prescription. This system is similar to the use of a generic. For example, if your GP gives you a script for Amoxil 250mg, then the chemist often offers the patient the generic amoxycillin 250mg without the need for a new prescription.

In summary

Estradot currently represents the best of transdermal therapy but because of ongoing supply problems, you may need to use Estraderm or Climara patches for the foreseeable future. Otherwise, EstroGel is an alternative.

For more information see our Health Information section