The Department of Health and Social Care has said pharmacists may substitute Evorel and Estraderm for Estradot patches due to “significant ongoing disruption” to stock levels of the product.

Earlier today (April 29) the DHSC issued a serious shortage protocol for Estradot 75mcg patches, which manufacturer Novartis says should return to normal supply by the end of May.

Under the terms of SSP012, when they receive a prescription for Estradot 75mcg patches they may provide one Ecorel 75mcg patch or Estraderm MX 75mcg patch for each patch that has been prescribed.

The 25mcg, 5mcg and 100mcg versions of the product are unaffected.

The SSP is set to expire on Friday June 4 but may be extended or revoked at any time.

As with other SSPs, contractors will be reimbursed for the product they have dispensed rather than the one that has been prescribed, and will also receive a £5.35 SSP fee.