Two governmental agencies will analyse domestic manufacturing of transdermal oestrogen patches, shortages are currently impacting women in menopause
Sweden is exploring whether to manufacture hormonal patches domestically, as a long-running shortage of oestrogen treatments leaves women struggling with the symptoms of menopause and forces pharmacists to hunt for alternatives.
Hot flushes, mood swings and depression are well-documented effects of menopause, making the country’s persistent lack of oestrogen patches both a source of distress for those affected and an operational strain on pharmacy staff.
Jakob Forssmed, the health and social affairs minister, has tasked two government agencies with examining whether the patches could be produced at home. Speaking to Dagens Nyheter, Mr Forssmed called the assignment “very urgent”, citing the recurring shortages faced by women who “need these medications to lead a functional life”.
The Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA) will analyse whether a national operator could produce bulk transdermal formulations of oestrogen medicines and, where feasible, prepare a process for such production.
