THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER· STOCKHOLM · THE DAY IN 5 STORIES

Sweden raises oestrogen patch prices as supply stays uncertain

An estradiol transdermal medicine box beside a transparent skin patch and a coin for scale.
An estradiol transdermal patch beside its medicine package and a coin for scale. Image: Erica Schroeder / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)

Sweden has approved higher prices for transdermal oestrogen medicines in an attempt to attract more suppliers, while patch availability remains strained and authorities cannot say when supply will stabilise.

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The Medicines Agency says demand still exceeds supply for patches, sprays and gels used for menopause symptoms. Gel availability is currently good after exemptions, and parallel imports of Lenzetto spray are expected to improve supply.

SVT reports that nearly 380,000 women over 45 received oestrogen treatment last year, twice as many as a decade earlier. TLV approved the higher price so suppliers have more reason to prioritise Sweden.

The government has widened the agency's assignment to clarify shortage rules and improve information about alternatives. The agency and TLV must report back by 30 October.

#Menopause#MedicineShortage#Healthcare#Oestrogen
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