MNHQ here: have you found it difficult to get HRT recently?

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello

As lots of MNers have already been discussing, there seems to be a nationwide shortage of some forms of HRT. (The reasons for the shortage seem a little clouded in mystery, although there's a partial explainer here.)

We've noticed a few MNers talking about going abroad to obtain their usual brand of HRT, or considering buying online - which of course isn't something health professionals would generally recommend (and probably doesn't feel very good to the women doing it either).

It seems pretty scandalous to us that women are having to do this in order to be sure of supplies of essential medicines and we wanted to get a sense of how many of you are affected.

So if you've struggled to get supplies of your normal HRT, or have considered going abroad or buying online to secure your supplies, we'd be interested to hear from you - please post on this thread or if you'd rather keep it confidential feel free to PM us or email us on [email protected]

Thanks
MNHQ

The amount that gps are prescribing is very random! Some people here being given 6 months worth, others suddenly being restricted to one month. If guidance is being given to gps about restrictions and how much to prescribe then some are ignoring it.

I have gp appt today
Mine was just a months supply, I only started it 3 months ago
It’s not doing much for my moods, so I’m wondering if it’s the right medication anyway.
I either want to cry or scream, can’t deal with anything and if I didn’t have a child or a dog I would just stay in bed all day
I am dealing with everything btw, it’s just underneath I feel like it’s all falling apart

@teta Evorel = Evopad in Spain, thanks and noted 😀

I get that some combined HRT is totally out, but odd that my Boots can access most estrogen only patches still, though limited and expects it to become more difficult. I guess it’s due to where we all live. I did post a link somewhere - perhaps on another thread, where you can phone the manufacturer and find out if/where they are stocking to. Then theoretically someone could phone up that chemist to confirm they have it before travelling to get their prescription filled? I don’t know but just a thought and might take some time and expense.

I think 3 month is the recommended prescription period, though some GPs do give their patients established on HRT 6 months. I guess the 1 month prescriptions are to ensure there’s enough to go around. That has to be so frustrating and worrying, not to mention extra prescription costs.

@tomboy hope your appointment goes well today. Maybe your dose needs changing, or perhaps something else suggesting - blood test for any vitamin/iron deficiencies etc? Hope you get something sorted

This is just a joke
Someone is having a laugh
Turned up for 10.30 appt, 10 people in waiting room, they have no idea where the doctor is. He was booked in for 10

I am still getting a 3-month prescription from GP, but pharmacist can only dispense one month at a time (Evorel Sequi)

My GP cancelled my prescription after only one month as they said there is no supply so they can't issue it. Now can't get an appointment to discuss for 2 weeks. My DH is currently in Spain - he went to the local pharmacy and was sold four months of combined Evorel 50 patches for 10 euros. It has a different name but pharmacist confirmed it's the same content. Outrageous this is happening here.

I don't think it's a fun time for gps or hospital docs. at the moment either. I can't imagine they want to waste the time changing prescriptions when there's a gp shortage .It doesn't of course excuse some who are deliberately obstructive .

@tomboytown perhaps he’s on an emergency?

I agree with teta, this must all be such a waste of time and resources for the NHS, and having just seen a list of other medications that might soon be in short supply, it looks like things could get worse.

@Imonlymoominafterall did your GP consider anything other than Evorel because there are choices - see the link I posted above. Well done your DH in the meantime!

No- they booked a locum and he didn’t turn up.
They were trying to locate him or find an alternative. Appt now tomorrow. At least they booked us in and we don’t have to phone again at 8am

So saw the Doctor , she prescribed gel instead so I will see how that goes

I take 1 mg zumenon which I have tried to find online (as a back up for Brexit) but everywhere appears to be out of stock

Over50andfab no nothing - no discussion at all, just refused to prescribe and now I have to wait for an appointment. Totally understand it's a nightmare for GPs too ... so yes, relying on Spanish pharmacies from now on!

It isn't just the UK - I am in a different European country and there are shortages of HRT here as well.

I've had my prescription changed from fem seven Conti to everol conti due to not being able to find any in stock. Of course I can't get everol either. Gp totally unhelpful when I called and represcribed the original out of stock femseven.

After reading lots of reports of women getting hrt in Spain I went to 4 different pharmacies (I'm on holiday). Refused hrt in all as apparently the Spanish equivalents are higher dosage

I'm frustrated and at a loss what to do now

As Yika says, It's not just here that’s struggling. It seems that
It’s due to the knock-on effect when one company or more stops manufacturing or is experiencing problems in manufacturing a certain medication.

Here’s the link again suggesting options for those that can’t find their prescribed HRT if it might help...
www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/hrt-the-different-ingredients-brands-and-strengths-available

ohyoubadkitten GPs aren't prescribing randomly, they are constrained by CCG rules, which will vary from area to area. Some CCGs will allow six months, some three months (and not just HRT, there are regulations for everything). Our CCG only allows three months of Vagifem, on the basis of two doses a week. I use it every day which means I get through the supply in no time, so feel that I'm constantly reordering. It was only when I asked if they could double the prescription they explained why they can't.

@LenoVintura I don’t know if you are aware that in March the BMS changed recommendations for vagifem from x2 a week to up to x5 a week as needed. Although this hasn’t filtered through yet, some GPs do already prescribe the increased dose on 3 monthly prescriptions.

Ok, then CCG rules are random! (so why does it vary from practice to practice locally?)
My gp dropped my two monthly prescription down to one month without notice, then increased it back to two on request.

Moogletea do you have your prescription or packaging with you? The Spanish pharmacies will be able to match them that way - in general they do use higher doses of medication, but I'm on a pretty low dose and they just ordered in the matching patches, which were ready the next day. Worth a go? There's no other reason for them to refuse other than no stock - they are over the counter products.

Does anyone else use the gel , I was on a 50mg patch plus 100mg Utrogestan. GP cannot gegbtgr patches do has prescribed gel . It says the standard dose is 2 pumps but she has prescribed 4 , cannot find any equivalency or anyone else on 4 pumps . I did find a thread where people expressed concern at more than 2 pumps . Has anyone else had this problem?

@Peaseblossom22 Your question may get a bit lost here as it's about dose not availability but....

Anyway my understanding as a long term gel user is....this is based on info on the Dr Louise Newson website- that 1 pump gel= around a 35mcg patch.

each pump is 0.75 mgs of estrogen but that is NOT the same as a 75mcg patch (so don't confude them.)

the starting dose for gel is 2 pumps so not sure why you need 4? doesn't sound right.

Edit- bear in mind it's not a MILLI gram (mg) patch it's MICRO gram (mcg), so you GP may be confused if they are trying to compare the two.

@Peaseblossom22 Perhaps phone your GP to confirm the dose, or ask your pharmacist who should be really knowledgeable on this.

@over50andfab @Peaseblossom22 has been advised by her GP who appears to have given her incorrect information.

This from a medical site.

www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/hrt-the-different-ingredients-brands-and-strengths-available

Scroll down to estrogen only GEL.

1 pump roughly the same as 25mcg patch.

Jingling I understand what you are saying - and my GP also once told me an incorrect dose for another medication which I then double checked with him after. However for proper reassurance, as well as checking info found online its always worth getting the ok from your GP - or pharmacist who can be easier to access.