Both estradiol products have been out of stock in the UK since the end of 2018 as a result of a “quality issue with regards to the adhesive that keeps patches attached to the skin”, manufacturer Theramex – which acquired the products in a divestment from Teva Pharmaceuticals in February 2018 – told C+D in 2019.

The manufacturer has “since been working diligently to fix these issues and [is] pleased confirm that the entire FemSeven portfolio of products will be returning in 2021”, Theramex said in an update on its website.

FemSeven Conti is available now from Alliance Healthcare and the rest of the range is expected to be back in stock in “mid-2021”, it added.

“We would like to thank both patients and prescribers for their continued patience,” Theramex said.

Community pharmacy staff reported shortages across all 30 brands of HRT medicines included in a C+D survey between October 2019 and March 2020, with the FemSeven range the second most commonly reported products to source.

What is HRT and when is it appropriate to advise patients on taking it? Read this unplanned learning case study to find out.