Use of two types of estradiol-releasing skin patches for menopausal patients in a tropical climate

As part of a program to evaluate nonoral routes for delivery of estrogen replacement therapy at the National University Hospital, Singapore, we assessed two different 50 µg estradiol patches. The first study (patch A) was terminated because of a high rate of skin reactions. Tests of the components of this patch identified the alcohol carrier as the cause of these reactions when combined with an occlusive membrane in the tropical Singapore climate. A subsequent clinical trial with 21 female subjects was undertaken with a different 50 µg estradiol patch (patch B). Twenty patients completed the 6-month study. Patch B was as effective as patch A, caused fewer skin reactions, and adhered better.