alternative HRT Prescription wording

[FamilyTreeBuilder]

After my hassle today trying to get Estradot, and despite the pharmacist saying they were one a week, they are actually 2 per week so my 8 patch box is going to last me 4 weeks only. Sigh.

One very helpful pharmacist said that the GP has to word the prescription in a certain way so that if for example Estradot patches are not available, they can give me Evorel or another equivalent, but if the GP has prescribed one specific drug, they can't substitute.

Does anyone know anything about that?

Kind of. I had my first prescription this week, for Estradot. Pharmacy told me they've been struggling to get this for ages. It's a brand name, but because GP prescribed that brand pharmacy aren't allowed to give you anything else.
My pharmacy said EVOREL is another brand name which is more readily available, or ESTRADIOL which is a generic name for the patches, do any available brand xan be prescribed.
Hope this makes sense x

ah with you. So if I ask for estradiol 75 mcg, the pharmacist can give me what they have, whether Evorel or Estradot or something else?

I have the opposite problem! GP prescription is for the generic Estradiol, but I want it restricted to Evorel. I’ve been getting Evorel for about a year with no issues, last prescription I ended up with a different brand which I’ve had a skin reaction to (itching, redness). Asked the GP to reissue with the brand name and they’ve just done the exact same prescription again!

I thought that the option of a generic form of estrogen (since the directive about limiting it to 3 months supply only at the moment, because of the shortages) applied only to gel and not patches?

I may be wrong there- it's on the Gov site about HRT medicine shortages. (google)

So, for women using estrogen gel, they could have Oestrogel (brand name), Lenzetto (spray) or Sandrena gel.

I'm not sure if the generic subs apply to patches.

I was prescribed Evorel (as far as I know as prescription went straight to pharmacy, but it’s what I had before) and they were out of stock so they gave me Estraderm. I don’t know if that answers your question though!

GP wrote me a script for Estradot which is like gold dust round this way, only an 8 patch box which will last 4 weeks. Several of the pharmacists I spoke to yesterday said that they could have offered me alternatives. We discussed the gel and she said there was no point in prescribing as it was so hard to get hard of, and I wasn't keen on tablets.

So as I only have 4 weeks supply, I am going to be back in the same position in a couple of weeks when I ask for a repeat prescription (although i'm asking for 3 months next time)

Your pharmacist seems out of touch with latest guidelines. They now can supply alternatives without a Dr authorisation.

www.pulsetoday.co.uk/news/clinical-areas/womens-health/pharmacists-can-substitute-out-of-stock-hrt-products-without-consulting-gp/

I'm not sure that applies in Scotland does it?

Although it does say on the NHS Scotland website "If your pharmacy can’t supply the specific HRT product you've been prescribed, they may supply an alternative product. This will usually have the same ingredient, but may be made by a different manufacturer. Your pharmacy might also reduce the amount they provide you with to help ensure that as many woman as possible can get access to their required medication."

Which explains the 4 weeks only. Let's hope the supply issues resolve soon.