Alternatives to Evorel patches

[SpeckledFrogsLog]

My supply is finally dwindling and obviously can’t get my prescription refilled due to the shortage. I’m going to the docs next week to ask for an alternative. Does anyone know what may be viable alternatives and what may not?

I have a mirena coil so only need oestrogen. I was on the Evorel 50 patches but was still struggling with insomnia and night sweats so even if they hadn’t been out of stock I would have been asking for an adjustment in dosage.

Any opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[LarkDescending]

Some people use gel instead of patches (either out of preference or because it's easier to get hold of).

There are some Estradiol 50 patches around (Estraderm/Estradot) - I have just managed to get a prescription for them filled today. I don't know about availability of 75 or higher doses though.

[whatisforteamum]

My pharmacy doesn't have them now.I was offered pills but I don't know if the side effects are different.I have one weeks supply left so I'm trying another chemist friday.

[AfterSchoolWorry]

I'm in similar shoes. I'm on my last estradot, which has seemingly run out now. Have to start femoston on Saturday.

Not sure what to expect....

[Nannyrose]

Hi, Afterschoolworry, i have just seen your post, my Evorel 50 are about to run out in a week, did you start on tablets, how have you found them, i would rather not change as i am happy on the patches but it looks like i will have to, but was told today by a chemist the patches will be back by end of Feb 20?

[whatisforteamum]

Tbh I'm on gel and pills and apart from some nausea the other day I have been fine.
In fact I would say I sleep better now plus I barely drink.Gone from 5/6 units to 2/3 which I'm happy with.

[SpeckledFrogsLog]

Update : I was prescribed Elleste tablets as an alternative to Evorel patches but I can’t get these either! I’m so fed up with it I’m tempted to go cold turkey and see what happens

[whatisforteamum]

Oh no!!That is very frustrating.

[dottydolly72]

Well I've been buying the patches from a private pharmacy online and now they've t
Emailed me to say they have no more supplies.. 🤷‍♀️ I give up!!

[IamMummyhearmeROAR]

My evorel is now gone and I have a phone consultation on Monday to discuss options. I'm really fearful. I can't cope with the vaginal atrophy and I fear for my mental health and my relationship if it returns.

[siblingrevelryagain]

I got a new prescription of evorel patches yesterday (only back in stock at the pharmacy midday yesterday).

My mom has been a trouper and trailed my prescription around a number of local pharmacies to be always told no, but this week we’ve had a result after months of being without (I’ve had femostan which weren’t as good but not the worst; some symptoms came back but I think it was preferable to not having anything).

The packaging is different so I guess the new supplier the manufacturers took on has kicked in (they originally said Feb 2020 then end of March; maybe it’s starting to filter through).

In my mom’s experience pharmacy staff differ widely; some don’t even check before snorting and saying no chance with HRT, and others will ask the questions and check, so it might be worth shopping around or being a bit belligerent. My mom is meek and normally apologetic except when it comes to getting something one of her kids need (even though I’m 44!).

[sparkly72]

3 weeks ago my gp told me evorel sequi patches had been discontinued and swopped me to alternative tablets. I've just looked online and that's not true! The company was sold in sept 2019 and the supplies were low, the new company has got a plan in place for manufacturing's day supplying correct amounts. Should be up and running by end of March but supplies getting through already.
I'm so furious with my gp, my hormones have been all over the place and the impact it's had on my family has been huge.
I'm going to speak to gp on Monday.

[sparkly72]

thebms.org.uk/2020/01/british-menopause-society-further-update-on-hrt-supply-shortages-27th-january-2020/

Here's the link

[siblingrevelryagain]

Mine is definitely the right stuff-pisses me off that we have to advocate for ourselves so hard at a time when we can’t often muster a coherent thought (or maybe that’s just me!). We shouldn’t have to fight so hard; it took me 3 doctors, loads of unnecessary tests and countless appointments for a doctor to ‘allow’ me to have HRT for perimenooause, even though it’s clear I’ve done my research, know the (almost non-existent) risks, and know my body better than anyone. I’m glad I didn’t give up and I plan to be on this stuff until the day I die.

[dottydolly72]

I've seen they are back in stock online through the private pharmacy. I know I'm pay over the odds but after trying a couple of alternatives it's the only thing that keeps my half normal so I'm not willing to give it up just yet. Good to hear there's a trickle of hope of supplies returning.. no doubt the demand is very high!