Estrogen PatchTracker

Timeline of the patch shortage

From the FDA's decision to drop the old warnings to the latest maker statements, in order. Filled dots mark the turning points.

Updated

  1. CBC reports Drug Shortages Canada has recorded 92 shortages and four discontinuations of estradiol products since 2017. CBC Radio, Day 6

  2. The FDA asks makers to drop the boxed warnings on menopausal hormone therapy about heart disease, breast cancer and dementia. Demand for patches climbs from here. RAPS

  3. ASHP lists estradiol patches as a shortage. ASHP

  4. Menopause clinics across the US report patients struggling to fill patch prescriptions (NBC News). NBC News

  5. The FDA approves the first six labels without the old warnings. None of them is a patch. FDA

  6. Sandoz tells CNN the change in prescribing has created "unprecedented demand that cannot be fully met at present". CNN

  7. British Columbia confirms a patch shortage. Hormone therapy has been fully covered by B.C. PharmaCare since March 1. Global News

  8. Three Estradot strengths and two Sandoz Estradiol Derm strengths are listed short in Canada. Sandoz plans to raise production by more than 20 per cent. CBC News

  9. CVS says manufacturers have been unable to provide enough supply. NPR

  10. Industry sources tell Reuters the shortage could last up to three years. Truveta counts a 184% rise in patch use since 2023. Reuters, via NBC News

  11. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary says the patches "have not risen to the criteria of being on the shortage list". NBC News

  12. Estradot 100 mcg goes out of stock in Canada (Toronto Star). Toronto Star

  13. ASHP's latest update: 17 packs from five makers affected, Sandoz's weekly patch and two Dotti strengths on back order with no date. ASHP

  14. The FDA posts that patches "remain available", that supply has nearly doubled in a year, and that it is working with all six makers. Bayer says one Climara dose will be constrained until early 2027. FDA

  15. The House Democratic Women's Caucus asks the FDA for a timeline and to consider listing the patches. The FDA replies that they "are not in shortage". Reuters, via WSAU

  16. Bayer says Climara 50 is short in Canada and expects it resolved by December. Toronto Star

  17. Former congresswoman Jackie Speier, now a San Mateo County supervisor, urges Congress to press the FDA to declare an official shortage. San Mateo County

  18. The generic makers' trade group says patch prescriptions doubled from January 2025 to June 2026, and that meeting full demand "may be a while longer". Chain Drug Review

  19. ACOG publishes its first full update on menopause symptom care since 2014, backing hormone therapy before 60 or within 10 years of menopause. ACOG