Utrogestan shortage

BlondieLady · 2023-01-16T18:15:44+00:00

I’m on continuous Utrogestan 100mg and Oestrogel 2 pumps a day, I've just picked up my new prescription but not been able to get the Utrogestan capsules due to a shortage. I only have 5 capsules left and am worried to use the gel on it's own! I'm wondering whether to start using the gel and take the capsules every other day to make them last a bit longer or whether to just continue daily and hope the capsules come back in stock. Has anyone been in this position or know what's best to do?

Love2dance · 18/01/2023 10:21

Hello,
Best to get advice from the GP. I'm in the same position and am waiting to speak to mine tomorrow. I called Beslin, the manufacturer, and was surprised to hear they were going to re-stock at the wholesalers 2 weeks ago, but that response doesn't match the reality where I am, as none of the pharmacies has it and say it's out of stock when they try to order (presumably from the wholesalers). What a mess!

Original poster

BlondieLady · 19/01/2023 21:45

Thanks *Love2dance, hope you got on OK today. I checked the Besins website and it states there was a temporary shortage but supplies have now been sent to the wholesalers. I went to the pharmacy and they had some so all good now! They were supposed to text me when they came in but didn't. Such a shambles! 😫

OP posts:

Prettypinkpeonies · 21/01/2023 09:34

I can't get hold of it. 2 chemists have said they had it in this week but it went out straight away to ladies that had been waiting. 1 chemist said they could order it but after a week of waiting it hasn't been delivered and one said there was long term manufacturing issues. I'm just wondering if there is an alternative ?I've been prescribed 100mg daily with an evoraI patch, ineeded to start today as my old prescription runs out, and I can't get a drs appointment till I don't know when:(

JinglingSpringbells · 21/01/2023 10:10

I don't think there are long term issues.
I hope not!
The info on Besin's website said there was a blip at the end of Dec and that supplies would be sent out from 12/13 January (slightly later than their original date of the start of january.)

Original poster

BlondieLady · 21/01/2023 14:50

Prettypinkpeonies · 21/01/2023 09:34

I can't get hold of it. 2 chemists have said they had it in this week but it went out straight away to ladies that had been waiting. 1 chemist said they could order it but after a week of waiting it hasn't been delivered and one said there was long term manufacturing issues. I'm just wondering if there is an alternative ?I've been prescribed 100mg daily with an evoraI patch, ineeded to start today as my old prescription runs out, and I can't get a drs appointment till I don't know when:(

I would ask your pharmacy if there is an alternative. If there is then contact your GP surgery and ask to speak urgently to a GP or a clinical pharmacist to prescribe you the alternative or advise what to do. It may be that a few days or week without it will have no great effect or would they advise you to stop. Can anyone on here advise? Definitely not a long term shortage but that doesn't help if you run out and can’t get it. Good luck!

OP posts:

Original poster

BlondieLady · 21/01/2023 14:53

Here is the statement on Besins website

OP posts:

Prettypinkpeonies · 23/01/2023 13:34

Thanks for your reply I have just seen it. I managed to get hold of some at the 8th chemist I went to, she said it was the last of her stock. So hopefully by next time whatever issues locally will be sorted :)

McShelby · 28/03/2023 09:50

It’s nearly the end of March and supply issues continue. I got some earlier in the month and requested repeat prescription but they are out again. However, private clinics are obviously not experiencing same issues as my docs suggest… if only we all could afford private healthcare. In the meantime, I’ve decided not to take it till I have at least a one month backup supply as I really don’t want to bleed again, with all the usual symptoms, it was very distressing.

sheeeeeeshh · 28/03/2023 10:44

This is so fucking ridiculous.

Rebootnecessary · 28/03/2023 10:52

I get a prescription for three month's worth from my NHS GP. I got a repeat script filled a couple of weeks ago with no problem.

JinglingSpringbells · 28/03/2023 11:05

McShelby · 28/03/2023 09:50

It’s nearly the end of March and supply issues continue. I got some earlier in the month and requested repeat prescription but they are out again. However, private clinics are obviously not experiencing same issues as my docs suggest… if only we all could afford private healthcare. In the meantime, I’ve decided not to take it till I have at least a one month backup supply as I really don’t want to bleed again, with all the usual symptoms, it was very distressing.

@McShelby I think the shortage can be any clinic. I had to wait 4 weeks for the pharmacy in the private hospital where I see my dr to get a supply, earlier this year. They'd had very low stock since before Christmas they said. They did get some with the batch released in late Fed/early March. Besin's says the next batch is due out this week or next.

vjg13 · 30/03/2023 10:18

My local pharmacy told me there was no stock due to a manufacturing issue (they had no issues in January with their stock) but the pharmacy suggested to me by the nurse practitioner at the GP as being good at keeping stocks of HRT supplied a 6 month supply today.

stringbean · 30/03/2023 21:11

My local pharmacy can't get it - they say it's out of stock and, despite ordering it daily, cannot guarantee when any will be delivered. I have a blister left but will need more in a couple of weeks. Think the pharmacy is giving it out on a rota basis, depending on age of prescription, so have to hope I get to the front of the queue before my supply runs out. As I've said before, if this was medication taken by men, there wouldn't be any shortage.

JinglingSpringbells · 30/03/2023 21:20

stringbean · 30/03/2023 21:11

My local pharmacy can't get it - they say it's out of stock and, despite ordering it daily, cannot guarantee when any will be delivered. I have a blister left but will need more in a couple of weeks. Think the pharmacy is giving it out on a rota basis, depending on age of prescription, so have to hope I get to the front of the queue before my supply runs out. As I've said before, if this was medication taken by men, there wouldn't be any shortage.

Why doesn't your pharmacy look at the Product Supply notice on Besin's website?

It says more supplies were put into the supply chain last week and more are to follow from 27 March.

Whaeanui · 31/03/2023 15:59

Hi, I was on another thread about this. My GP just rang after saying they didn’t know when they could get it even just yesterday, some arrived today and I have 3 months to pick up Monday! Meanwhile the Newsons pharmacy CloudRX I ordered from as I was told it was in stock, haven’t contacted me yet. I’m assuming I can cancel that order now. I had to pay to get into the queue. I don’t know if I should cancel now or wait till I have it in my hands! I wouldn’t want 6 months worth with me while others don’t have it…