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‘Literally life and death’: Menopause patch users launch petition as Pharmac switches supplier

Wednesday, 27 November 2024

A widower says his wife's life was cut short by limited acess to hormone treatment for menopause. Minister David Seymour questions if the decision to use just one supplier followed proper consultation. Imogen Wells reports.

A Pharmac decision to switch suppliers for estradiol patches has left women angry and anxious as many feel the new brand is an inferior product.

For many women, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can relieve the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause such as anxiety, weight gain, body pains and, in some cases, heart palpitations and severe depression.

There has been an ongoing shortage of HRT patches for the past four years.

On Tuesday, Pharmac announced it had contracted Viatris to supply Estradiol TDP Mylan from 1 July 2025, on the condition the company gets full regulatory approval for use in New Zealand.

The announcement was met with a flood of criticism online and a petition launched asking the government to reverse the decision.

Patch user Bex Walton-Hannay told Stuff it was “literally life and death” for her as the impact on her mental health was so severe.

“I have tried the other brands and gel and they don’t work as well,” she said.

“The gel can be absorbed by your body much faster which lead to a decline in my mental health and feeling suicidal.”

She said the decision was causing huge anxiety.

“It is scary knowing I will have to figure something else out and has a huge impact on me and my family. I will look at paying for Estrodot if I have to.”

The Estradot estrogen patches.
The Estradot estrogen patches.

Pharmacist Sam Tibshraeny said the majority of her patients prefer it as they found the alternative didn’t stick as well which meant the medicine can’t absorb through their skin as effectively, and it resulted in many increasing their dose to ensure they get what they need.

“It’s going to be really disruptive,” she said. “We’ve already seen how disruptive it can be when Estradot hasn’t been available.”

She estimates the cost without Pharmac funding for the consumer will be $30-40 per month.

Broadcaster Kate Rodger, who has made a concerted effort to speak openly about the impact of menopause said on social media the decision was a backward step.

“Pharmac only funding the shite patch which falls off and/or itches like a mofo?,” she said.

“Estradot is by far the most popular estrogen patch with the least number of side effects but if NZ women want Estradot we will soon have to pay for it. This is such a backward step and SUCH bullshit.”

Pharmac’s Director of Equity and Engagement Dr Nicola Ngawati said the agency’s clinical advisors said the new patches will meet the needs of most people.

“We have made this decision to improve supply of oestradiol patches for New Zealanders following a global shortage. The ability to provide a secure ongoing supply of oestradiol patches was a key factor in our decision, alongside other considerations like suitability and cost,” she said.

In its statement, Pharmac did not answer Stuff’s question about how much money the brand switch would save.

The minister responsible for Pharmac says he plans to raise the decision to switch estrogen patch suppliers with the drug buying agency at his next meeting.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour has promised to get answers on the issue.
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has promised to get answers on the issue.

“I expect Pharmac to have a renewed focus on talking to and partnering with patients that was in my expectation letter. I’m aware of some of the commentary particularly online that the new patches can be itchy or fall off and I intend to raise that with Pharmac at my next meeting with them,” he told Stuff.

Ngawati says consultation was undertaken through the annual tender process, which was published on its website in July 2023.

“Pharmac uses the annual tender to help keep up with the increasing costs and demand for medicines we already fund and secure future supply.”

“A lot of people have been telling us how difficult it is to get oestradiol patches. This decision, along with funding oestradiol gel from November will mean that people can get the medicine they need,” she said.

Walton-Hannay told Stuff she was not aware of any consultation, while the author of the petition, Patrina Forde said patients had made it clear to Pharmac.

“Pharmac have chosen to ignore our pleas and constant feedback that other brands are not the same.”

Seymour is promising to get answers.

“The question I would ask them is did we do everything we had to as far as making sure we reach out to patients and see what they think about the change.

“My plan is to next time I talk to Pharmac - should be later this week - say ‘well look this is what’s happening, respect your right to make the decision, are you sure you’ve asked all the people’.”

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