How long should a bottle of Oestrogel last??

[SpamFitters]

After always being prescribed 3 packs of Oestrogel for 3 months (2 pumps a day) my GP has changed my prescription to 2 packs, but still says it's for 3 months. My head's imploding trying to work this out as one bottle has always lasted one month for me. Even the packaging says one bottle = 4 weeks supply on 2 pumps/day.

Until now it hasn't been worth getting a PPC to get just two prescriptions filled every 3 months. Now I'm worrying about the cost of the extra gel - but I'm also worried they won't prescribe it again because they think I've already had 3 months supply. The aggravation of getting HRT alone is doing me in!!

Most of all I feel pathetic because I'm a middle aged woman considering giving up on HRT altogether because I can't bear to have to go to docs and pharmacists anymore.

Have I just got my sums wrong somehow (I won't mind if it makes the prescription make sense!)

Oestrogel is 64 metered doses per pump. So approximately 1 month (32 days) on 2 pumps per day.

There are national restrictions on quantity prescribing for oestrogel, limited to 3 months per woman at a time rather than 6 to control availability, so you should still get 3 pumps based on your dosing.

I’d query it with the prescriptions team at your surgery.

Thanks Sidge. The person I spoke to at the pharmacy said the doctor would know the best dose and I should trust them. And the doctor has already told me the two-pack is a three-month supply. Still considering changing doc so I don't have to go back again ask again. We don't agree on the calculation, and it's not like I can force them to change their mind!🤐

I am on this and monitor when I start anew bottle as I find it hard to tell how much is left. 1 bottle is no more than 30 days if you use 2 pumps. I have 6 months of data!

The person I spoke to at the pharmacy said the doctor would know the best dose and I should trust them.

Really? Clearly you can't.

Unless your dr expects you to squeeze out half a pump then it's not going to last 3 months!

As Pp says- 64 squirts per bottle= 32 days = 1 month.

That' s using 2 pumps per day.

You need to discuss with them.

We don't agree on the calculation, and it's not like I can force them to change their mind

what on earth is there to agree or disagree with?

Your dr sounds hopeless.

It's on the outside of the BOX that there are 64 applications.

I suggest you make an appt and take the box to show them.

Thanks for the replies; good to know I'm not mad. I know I have to go back (not looking forward to that convo!). I've thrown the boxes out but still have the inserts. Will phone them tomorrow. screams internally

They are under a lot of time pressure unfortunately- that’s how mistakes happen. Go easy on them.

I've honestly been nothing but polite. It's also nerve-wracking telling an expert who prescribes hundreds of women this same item that they've got it wrong, which is why my first choice is to do literally anything else, lol.

I'm impressed that you've been able to get hold of any at all! I haven't been able to get hold of it for months.

@SpamFitters - I take a photo of my prescription for my own records. Maybe you could take one next time so that you are believed when you say you got only 2 months' supply.

It’s simple maths but gps can get confused about this.
The thing I would be more worried about, which is why I would want to try and fix it now, is if you go back in 8 weeks to try and get your new prescription are they going to take a quick look at your notes and say sorry you can’t as you’re a month too early

I would try to take a pic the label stuck in one of your bottles that says 2 pumps per day, or your new prescription that says 2 pumps per day.

Write an email and send to GP and practice manager and pharmacist if there is one. State that your prescription is for 2 pumps per day. State that 1 pack will do 32 days or 1 month. Therefore 2 packs will do 64 days or 2 months and there is inadequate supply for 3 months. State previously you have always been prescribed 3 packs.

Also state that every time you get a new prescription you pay £9.35 (for your info, that will be regardless of amount of bottles - it will be the same for the 2 as for 3 or for any number if. The same medicine) and so if you need to get an extra prescription because you were not issued enough for 3 months, you will have to pay again and with the cost of living crisis will find this difficult.

Ask for a new prescription with 3 bottles as usual. Ask for a reply confirming they have received your email. If you want to ask to go onto a repeat prescription then do. You can say how stressful you are finding this whole thing and would find having a repeat for this ongoing medication reassuring.

Putting things in an email and copying key people in will often get a better result than speaking to a receptionist, where there will be. No record if your request. It’s not quite so easy to fob you off when there’s a paper trail.

Bloody irritating.

I have managed to get myself onto a repeat prescription for 3 pumps per day. It. Was issued before the restrictions came in and for 6 months supply…so that’s 8 bottles. It means I pay £9.35 for the 8 bottles (+ another £9.35 for 6 months supply if Utrogestan) and can simply go onto the NHS app and request my repeat.

The system is all wrong isn’t it. Totally inconsistent. Some people are paying £9.35 every month for 1 month supply and facing the aggro of getting the prescriptions and chasing supply, and others have it far easier and cheaper.