We are pleased to hear from Pharmac that the decision has been made to fund oestradiol gel from 1 November 2024
Principal Supply Status has been awarded to Estrogel supplied by Pharmaco, meaning that Estrogel will be the main funded brand of oestradiol gel available in Aotearoa NZ for the next 3 years from 1 November 2024.
In particular, if you are being impacted by the oestradiol patch shortage then you may want to consider switching to Estrogel once it is available. You will need to have an appointment to discuss this with a doctor first; see more below.
Funding:
There will be no funding restrictions for Estrogel, meaning it will be available funded to whoever it is prescribed for.
In other words, if you are prescribed Estrogel then you will not have to pay for the medication itself at the pharmacy; however, appointment or prescription fees from your doctor will still apply, and prescription charges at your pharmacy may also apply.
Starting on Estrogel:
Whether you are already using a different form of oestradiol (e.g. patches or tablets) or you have never used oestradiol before, you will need an appointment with a doctor before you can change to/start on Estrogel.
If you are already using a different form of oestradiol, a doctor will need to discuss with you whether a change to gel is appropriate, what dose is recommended, how to go about changing over, how to apply the gel, etc.
If you have never used oestradiol before, a doctor will of course need to discuss with you whether treatment with oestradiol is appropriate/recommended and whether any tests or other information are required prior to prescribing.
The usual GP consultation fee will apply for appointments.
More information on the use of Estrogel:
Pharmac is going to put out educational resources soon on changing to and using Estrogel. We will make a new post with links to these once they're available.
Pharmac's announcement on Estrogel:
You can read Pharmac's announcement about the decision to fund Estrogel, and more information about their proposal and their responses to consumer feedback, here.
