Photo: Garo Phanie / AFP
The Ministry of Health says its medicine regulations unit has not found any issues with one of the most popular brands of hormone replacement therapy patches.
Medsafe investigated Estradot oestrogen patches after receiving multiple reports from users who say they are experiencing a lack of adhesion and efficacy.
A Ministry spokesperson said the investigation included the testing of 10 batches of Estradot. “[It] did not identify any product quality issues that explain the lack of adhesion or lack of efficacy issues.”
Dr Megan Ogilvie, an endocrinologist at ERH Associates in Auckland, told Morning Report that she and her colleagues have spoken to a number of patients who say the patch had suddenly stopped working for them, despite being a superior product.
She said that if users felt that the treatment was no longer working for them, they should see their doctor.
Medsafe said it took all reports of medicine concerns seriously and had acted “promptly” to coordinate an investigation into the reports.
“This has involved Medsafe working closely with Sandoz (the manufacturer) to investigate complaints regarding Estradot patches.
“The manufacturer says that there are a range of factors that may affect both adhesion and effectiveness. These include application technique, patient-specific variables, and environmental factors.
“The product leaflet contained within each box of Estradot, and the Consumer Medicine Information sheet on the Medsafe website, emphasises the importance of proper skin preparation and patch placement.
“Anyone wanting advice on their medicines should speak to their healthcare professional.”
Medsafe has published a safety communication and Sandoz, the manufacturer of the patches, has issued a [https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/safety/DHCPLetters.asp letter to healthcare professionals.
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