still HRT supply issues?

[WhereAreMyAirpods]

Is anyone else still experiencing supply issues with HRT? I started on Evorel patches in January (oestrogen only, I have no uterus any more) and at that point there was no issue with supply but the gels which other people were using were like gold dust. Now I am down to my last patch and spent a good couple of hours phoning round local pharmacies trying to get a box of patches, Lloyds who I usually get my prescriptions from had no stock, couldn't order any, couldn't tell me when they could get them. And a friend who is on the gel/cream now has no issues with getting hers.

What's going on??

some types of HRT have gone in and out of stock for years but the recent problems was unprecedented.

You could try other pharmacies or if you use only estrogen you have lots of other estrogen patches that will be the equivalent.

Did you know that pharmacists are now, legally, able and supposed to offer you the alternatives? They were given this power when the shortages became very bad.

No I didn't know that - and neither apparently did the girl at Lloyd's.

I think going forward rather than asking the GP to send the prescription straight to the chemist I will collect it myself and then phone around to see who has stock.

I’m having the same problem, also with oestrogen patches. I’m waiting for the GP to reissue the prescription for a gel instead or whatever else is available. Such a pain!

I even asked if they could supply 2 lots of 25 mcg patches if they didn't have the 50s, but they were out of them too. Will just have to be more clued up and not leave it to the last minute to get a repeat.

Just checked Boots prescription stock checker here: www.boots.com/online/psc/ and my nearest branches of Boots have the patches in. So if the GP will give me another prescription I’ll just go there.