The shortage of estrogen medications in the form of sprays, patches and gels has been a recurring issue for several years. In May, the government tasked the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) with finding ways to improve access.
The authorities have now reported on their assignment, and several measures have already been taken. For example, TLV has approved higher prices for estrogen medications to encourage manufacturers to prioritise the Swedish market. The price increases also affect patients.
“But if we have very cheap medications but no access, that won’t help,” says Jakob Forssmed.
Usual treatment
According to statistics from the National Board of Health and Welfare, around 380,000 women over the age of 45 are treated with estrogen, equivalent to just over eight per cent of that age group.
The current shortage is primarily due to increased demand, both in Sweden and internationally. Changes to guidelines and recommendations have led to more women being prescribed hormone replacement therapy. However, the authorities are now seeing a break in the trend, with supply increasing.
“We are seeing a break in the trend, with the shortage easing, although it has not been completely resolved for sprays and patches. But the improvement will become even clearer after the turn of the year,” says Tina Crafoord, director of the Swedish Medical Products Agency.
Complicated manufacturing
According to Crafoord, the agency has made targeted efforts to better inform prescribers about how to find medicines in short supply through alternative channels.
The Swedish Medical Products Agency has also investigated the possibility of starting domestic production. Only one company has expressed interest in moving forward.
“For example, estrogen patches are complicated to manufacture, so it will take a long time before they are available,” says Tina Crafoord.
Another way to increase supply is to grant exemptions more quickly for importing medicines in foreign packaging.
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