Estrogen Patch Shortage: How Innovative Pharmacy Can Help Bridge the Gap

For many women navigating perimenopause and menopause, estradiol patches have become an important part of managing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and other effects of declining estrogen levels. But recently, filling a prescription for an estrogen patch has become more challenging.

The current estradiol transdermal patch shortage is affecting patients nationwide. Pharmacies, and the wholesalers from which they purchase medications, are unable to stock these patches due to a manufacturing shortage.

For patients who rely on hormone therapy, an unavailable prescription can be frustrating. Fortunately, a shortage does not necessarily mean patients have to go without treatment. Depending on a patient's individual needs and their prescriber's clinical judgment, a compounded preparation may also be considered.

How Compounded Estrogen Creams May Help

Innovative Pharmacy works with patients and healthcare providers to prepare customized medications based on an individual prescription. This can include compounded bio-identical estrogen preparations, such as topical creams containing estriol and estradiol, commonly known as Bi-Est.

The term "bio-identical" means that the hormone has the same chemical structure as the hormone produced by the human body. Compounding can provide flexibility in dosage, formulation, and delivery when a commercially available product cannot appropriately meet a patient's needs.

During a medication shortage, that flexibility can be especially valuable. If a patient's usual estrogen patch cannot be obtained, their healthcare provider can pivot to a compounded estrogen cream so that their patient's hormonal needs are satisfied.

It is important to understand that a compounded estrogen cream is not automatically interchangeable with an estradiol patch. Absorption, dosing, and delivery can differ between formulations, so patients should not attempt to convert or replace their patch on their own. Our pharmacists understand these nuances and can help guide your provider towards a dosage that would be appropriate for you.

Personalized Support From Innovative Pharmacy

At Innovative Pharmacy, our pharmacists can collaborate with prescribers to help formulate a prescription that is right for you. The goal is to help minimize disruptions in therapy while ensuring that each prescription reflects your individual needs and the prescriber's treatment plan.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved in the same way commercially manufactured medications are, but that doesn't mean they are not regulated or held to strict quality standards. Innovative Pharmacy has a 27 year track record of compounding quality hormone preparations.

Don't Let a Shortage Interrupt the Conversation

If you've been unable to fill your estradiol patch prescription, talk with your healthcare provider about your options. Compounded estrogen preparations can help meet your treatment needs.

Innovative Pharmacy is here to work alongside you and your healthcare provider to explore personalized compounding options and help navigate medication availability challenges. Contact our pharmacy to learn more about compounded estrogen preparations and how we can work with your prescriber.

This information is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Compounded medications require a prescription and are not FDA-approved. Hormone therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits, risks, and treatment options appropriate for you.