Has anyone been given Oestrodose instead of Oestrogel on prescription

[happydays56]

I've been prescribed Oestrogel for almost a year and along with utrogestan tablets they work extremely well and I have been feeling so much better.

Earlier this month when I collected my prescription the container was slightly different with French writing but had an english label firmly stuck over the front, completely covering the writing. It was still manufactured by Besins and had the same ingredients listed so I thought it would be the same.

I've had 3 weeks of hot flushes and waking up hot in the middle of night and have only just made the connection. This morning I removed the label to find the pump I have is called Oestrodose not Oestrogel. I was wondering if anyone else had an issue with this?

Yes. Often.

It's the same stuff.

It's made in Europe by Besins. The version you have posted is the typical version in France.

I can get Oestrogel in good pharmacies in London and at the pharmacy at the place where I see my consultant . I can rarely get it when I put the script into my local pharmacy, despite insisting the get Oestrogel (as I'm paying for it on a private prescription.)

There are numerous thread on this on other forums where women have written to Besins.

The test for me is that I am cyclic HRT with a bleed each few weeks. if Estrodose didn't work I'd have no blood to come away.

It’s a parallel import. Exactly the same stuff just packaged for another country.

Thank you for your replies. I thought it was the same product. I have just looked on Louise Newson's website and she has said they are the same but some women have noticed a return of symptoms when changing from Oestrogel to Oestrodose. Back to the GP.... Thank you again for replying.

I don’t think her advice is entirely correct though. The parallel import can be legally dispensed by pharmacies against a prescription stating ‘oestrogel’. It’s packaged with an English label saying such and getting the GP to change the prescription might not help.

They aren’t doing anything wrong by giving it to you and aren’t obliged to change it or order in the brand you want at their own time and expense. If they will then great but they don’t have to, just don’t want you to be disappointed or have an argument with the pharmacy.

I get either one or the other, just whatever I'm given. I haven't honestly noticed any difference. Last few times it's been the one you have posted.

@happydays56 This debate has run and run for years on another forum.

I asked my consultant about it (he's more experienced in menopause than Dr Newson, wonderful as she is, and trains other drs) and he says it's the same stuff. He's heard of the debate and believes the products are identical.

Your GP won't be able to do anything.

Thanks for all of your replies. I have collected my latest prescription this morning and it is my usual Oestrogel, so at least I can see if I feel different in a few days. The contents are indeed listed as the same, so maybe it was just my menopause fighting back.

My consultant's view on this is that there is a psychological factor at play and if women expect a difference they might find one! Also, in peri your symptoms can vary anyway.