A composition for controlled delivery of at least one active substance into an aqueous medium by erosion at a preprogrammed rate of at least one surface of the composition, comprising a matrix comprising the active substance, the matrix being erodible in the aqueous medium in which the composition is to be used, and a coating having at least one opening exposing at least one surface of said matrix, the coating comprising a first cellulose derivative which has thermoplastic properties and which is substantially insoluble in the aqueous medium in which the composition is to be used, and at least one of a second cellulose derivative which is soluble or dispersible in water, a plasticizer, and a filler. The coating is a coating which crumbles and / or erodes upon exposure to the aqueous medium such as a body fluid. The first cellulose derivative may be, e.g., ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate or cellulose nitrate, and the second cellulose derivative may be, e.g. methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or salts thereof, cellulose acetate phthalate, microcrystalline cellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, ethylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose or hydroxymethylpropylcellulose.