HRT shortage

[stringbean]

Anyone else having problems getting hold of Estradot 50mcg patches? Not previously had any problems, but phoned about 20 pharmacies this morning trying to get hold of some; visited two at some distance from each other that told me they had some, only to be told they didn't when I got there; finally managed to get some from a local pharmacy that had just had a delivery but whole thing was a bit of a wild goose chase. Pharmacists have told me to request a generic version of Estradot next time from GP, so they can dispense an equivalent, but not sure what I'd be given in that case. Has anyone else done this?

Not a problem here in East Mids.

Hi OP.I can’t answer your first question but can advise on second. I used to be on Everol, but was given Estraderm the time my prescription was generic. They were huge in comparison and didn’t stick as well.
I would suggest you try and get your next prescription earlier than you need it, and take it around chemists until you get your Estadot as you may be disappointed with the generics.
I am on gel now (I developed red welts with the patches after 2 days, which were meant to last 3.5) and am much happier with the gel. It can be hard to get too, but I still have some leftover patches as emergency back up if I run out and it hasn’t happened yet.

Yes, I did last time. I'm now wondering if that's going to be the case again later this month. (East of England)

The thing is, I did request the prescription early - I have to email the GP; sent two emails 3 weeks ago and they said they didn't receive either of them, so rather lost faith in the prescription request system! I looked at the size of other patches and they looked much bigger than Estradot, which suits me fine (tried gel initially, but prefer the patches).

Can't help thinking if this was medication that men needed, not only would there be no shortage, it would be a lot more accessible and a lot more choice as well!!