Hormone Patch Shortage Easing as New Stock Arrives in Israel

After an eight-month dramatic shortage of Evorel 50 hormone patches, tens of thousands of women in Israel are expecting relief as a new supply is set to arrive in the coming days. The patches are crucial for hormone replacement therapy for women facing various medical conditions, including fertility issues, those who have undergone ovary removal to reduce cancer risk, and menopausal women.

The scarcity has significantly impacted women's quality of life and treatment continuity, forcing many into a desperate search for the patches, contacting pharmacies nationwide and even seeking them in online groups. Galit, a 58-year-old woman from Herzliya, described the exhausting chase for the dwindling supply, which has caused her considerable anxiety.

Pharmacists have also felt the strain, with David Papiu, chairman of the Pharmacists Union, stating that the patches have been nearly impossible to find for the past two months, leaving them without information from manufacturers or the Ministry of Health regarding restocking. Senior physician Prof. Daniel Zeidman highlighted the medical implications, noting that the patches offer a safer alternative to oral hormone therapy due to a lower risk of blood clots, making the shortage particularly problematic for high-risk patients and those who cannot tolerate oral medication.

A shipment of tens of thousands of Evorel 50 packages has arrived in Israel and is expected to clear customs shortly, with further shipments planned for later in the year. Theramex, the manufacturer, cited a sharp increase in global demand for hormone replacement therapies, exacerbated by a 2026 FDA decision to remove a "black box" warning from such products, and has significantly increased production to meet this demand.

The Ministry of Health stated that managing drug supply and alternatives is the responsibility of medical institutions and marketing companies, a policy consistent with OECD countries. They confirmed the arrival of Evorel 50 and Evorel Conti, attributing the previous temporary stockout to operational reasons by the company due to surging demand. During the shortage, the Ministry directed health funds to import alternatives and maintained contact with the license holder for updates.