Estrogen PatchTracker

Checked October 18, 2026 · US and Canada

The estrogen patch shortage, brand by brand

Pharmacies in the US and Canada have been running short of estradiol patches since early 2026. We follow every brand and every strength against the shortage lists, the FDA, Drug Shortages Canada and the makers, and show what each one says and when it said it.

Find my strength See the US board

Estradiol patches on a linen cloth, one peeling from its clear liner, beside an open carton of foil pouches

5 of 13

US estradiol patches listed as short or limited in at least one strength.

Source: ASHP and the makers, read October 18, 2026

Where each US strength stands

Each card counts the patches made in that strength, from Climara to the newest generic, and how many are listed as short. Open one for the brands, the sources and any date the maker has given.

  • Available
  • Limited
  • Short
  • Discontinued
  • No data

The FDA says available. ASHP says short.

Two shortage lists matter in the US: the FDA's, and the one kept by ASHP, the society of health-system pharmacists. In October 2026 they disagree, and the gap decides what the FDA can do about it.

FDA drug shortage list

Not listed as a shortage

The FDA says patches "remain available" even though brands vary by pharmacy, that supply has nearly doubled in a year, and that it is working with all six makers. FDA, September 3, 2026.

ASHP drug shortage list

In shortage since January

ASHP lists 17 packs from five makers as affected, on back order or allocation, in its last update. ASHP, August 12, 2026.

Why they disagree, and what an FDA listing would change

If your pharmacy is out

  1. Ask about other makers

    Several companies make each strength. Ask whether the pharmacy can order a different maker's patch and whether your prescription allows it.

  2. Check the change days

    Climara-type patches are changed once a week, Vivelle-Dot and Minivelle types twice. A swap between the two changes your routine, not only the box.

  3. Call around

    Stock differs from one pharmacy to the next, so it pays to ring a few before your last patch runs out rather than after.

  4. Talk to your prescriber

    Another strength, two smaller patches, a gel, a spray or tablets are all options people are being offered. Each needs your prescriber's say-so.

Any change of brand, strength or form is a decision for your prescriber, and your pharmacist can check what they can order.

What to ask the pharmacy, step by step

Canada

Estradot, Estradiol Derm and Climara

Canada has three patch families, two of them from Sandoz. Estradot's 100 mcg patch has been out since August and Bayer expects Climara 50 back by December. Health Canada hasn't listed the patches as a Tier 3 shortage or added them to its list of drugs that may be imported from abroad.

The Canada board, by DIN

  • Estradot 100 mcg DIN 02244002 · Sandoz Canada Short
  • Sandoz Estradiol Derm 100 mcg DIN 02246969 · Sandoz Canada Limited
  • Climara 50 mcg DIN 02231509 · Bayer Inc. Short

What happened, and when

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

  2. 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".

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

  4. Bayer says Climara 50 is short in Canada and expects it resolved by December.

  5. 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".

The whole timeline · When will it end?

Tell us what you found

Official lists trail the pharmacy counter by weeks. If you filled, or couldn't fill, your patch this week, a four-tap report helps everyone reading.

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