Hormone Patch Shortage Easing After Eight Months, Supply Expected Soon

After an eight-month dramatic shortage of Evorel 50 hormone patches, a critical treatment for tens of thousands of women in Israel, supplies are expected to be replenished in the coming days. The scarcity has significantly impacted women's quality of life and treatment continuity, affecting those undergoing fertility treatments, BRCA carriers who have undergone oophorectomy to reduce cancer risk, and menopausal women.

The Ministry of Health and the pharmaceutical company producing the patches have committed to restocking shelves soon. The shortage has led to a desperate search for the patches, with women contacting pharmacies nationwide, traveling to remote locations, and even engaging in secondary markets on social media. One woman described the situation as "unbearable," leading to constant anxiety about obtaining her next dose.

Pharmacists have also experienced the daily struggle, with the head of the Pharmacists' Union stating that finding the patches has become nearly impossible. He noted a lack of clear information from the manufacturer or the Ministry of Health regarding the reasons for the shortage or its expected resolution, leaving pharmacists in the dark.

Medical professionals highlight the therapeutic importance of the patches, particularly their lower risk of blood clots compared to oral hormone therapy. This makes them a preferred option for women with risk factors, and the shortage forces difficult treatment adjustments. For menopausal women, the interruption can lead to severe symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and an inability to work, while younger women who experienced premature menopause due to cancer risk-reducing surgeries face significant suffering.

Theramex, the importer of Evorel 50, cited a sharp global increase in demand for hormone replacement therapies, exacerbated by a 2026 FDA decision to remove a "black box" warning from such products. The company has significantly increased production, but the complex manufacturing process means replenishing stock takes time. The Ministry of Health stated that while inventory management is typically the responsibility of healthcare providers and marketing companies, they have been in contact with the rights holder and instructed health maintenance organizations to import alternatives during the shortage. A shipment of tens of thousands of packages has arrived and is expected to clear customs shortly, with further shipments planned.