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Original poster

No Utrogestan Anywhere

18 replies

haveaglassofwine · 19/05/2023 08:41

I am due to start taking my 14 days of Utrogestan today and I can not get my prescription filled, I’ve tried every pharmacy locally and a few further away, I’m told there is a supply issue.

I can’t get a GP appointment, what should I do.
Is it safe to continue using the patches without the Utrogestan?

Is there an alternative?

The supply issues over the last 18 months and more have been dreadful for patches and Utrogestan, I doing think I have had one prescription where both the patches and Utrogestan have been available.

OP posts:
GayPareeee · 19/05/2023 08:43

Where are you? In S London there's no problems, not helpful if you're nowhere near.

Could you try combined patches instead?

JinglingSpringbells · 19/05/2023 08:46

On Besins website it says there was a delivery to the supply chain on 8 May but sometimes it can take a few days for the product to show on warehouse supply lists and then it has to be get to the pharmacy. https://www.besinshealthcare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BHUK_2023_310-Product-Supply-Update-No.-21-May-23-v1.pdf
Have you asked your pharmacies to check availability this way?

Yes, it's fine to delay taking it- NICE guidance mentions 3-monthly cycles where you'd only take it once in 12 weeks. Not suggesting you wait that long of course but short term it's ok.

FWIW Dr Louise Newson has posted to say she's had a conversation with Besins and they are building a new factory on 9 acres of land, as a means of producing more- but of course it's not going to happen overnight.

https://www.besinshealthcare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BHUK_2023_310-Product-Supply-Update-No.-21-May-23-v1.pdf

Original poster
haveaglassofwine · 19/05/2023 08:47

GayPareeee · 19/05/2023 08:43

Where are you? In S London there's no problems, not helpful if you're nowhere near.

Could you try combined patches instead?

I’m in the midlands, interesting to know the supply issues isn’t nationally.

I’m not sure how combined patches work, I’m trying to get a GP appointment to discuss options but I’m not holding out much hope.

OP posts:
Original poster
haveaglassofwine · 19/05/2023 09:45

JinglingSpringbells · 19/05/2023 08:46

On Besins website it says there was a delivery to the supply chain on 8 May but sometimes it can take a few days for the product to show on warehouse supply lists and then it has to be get to the pharmacy. https://www.besinshealthcare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BHUK_2023_310-Product-Supply-Update-No.-21-May-23-v1.pdf
Have you asked your pharmacies to check availability this way?

Yes, it's fine to delay taking it- NICE guidance mentions 3-monthly cycles where you'd only take it once in 12 weeks. Not suggesting you wait that long of course but short term it's ok.

FWIW Dr Louise Newson has posted to say she's had a conversation with Besins and they are building a new factory on 9 acres of land, as a means of producing more- but of course it's not going to happen overnight.

Thank you, that is really helpful, I'll try calling the pharmacies again this morning.

OP posts:
WarriorN · 19/05/2023 20:15

There's just been a press release on this.

Came to post it.

The gov has taken action due to shortages and there is a special shortage thingy in place as of today (protocol? SSP?)

They're limiting prescriptions to 2 months supply rather than 3 as shortages are expected across the whole country till later this year.

They've started to up production but it will take a while to back fill gaps.

WarriorN · 19/05/2023 20:17

I've only found it in two local papers so far; it was announced in the menopause support face book group by Diane Danzebrink

www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/national/23535561.ministers-restrict-dispensing-menopause-drug-utrogestan-supply-issues/

JinglingSpringbells · 19/05/2023 21:36

As I mentioned just now on another post, if you are struggling with Utrogestan, maybe now is the time to try a different type?

Femoston (tablets) are almost as body-identical and well tolerated, and suitable for anyone who doesn't have blood clotting risks.

Patches are readily available.

Norethisterone (tablets) can be prescribed alongside patches or gel, and even some types of the mini pill can be used (in a larger dose.)

Ladyglittersparkleseriously · 19/05/2023 21:52

I had this issue last week and the pharmacist contacted the GP to prescribe an alternative, which i picked up today (Provera). Could your pharmacy do that for you? Good luck OP!

Tinytigertail · 19/05/2023 22:33

I'm North London and have no issue at all.

HRTQuestion · 19/05/2023 22:47

Like @Ladyglittersparkleseriously I've been given Provera instead, I'm hoping to get Utrogestan again next time. But I had to go back too the GP to get a new prescription so it's a pain.

Also in the Midlands and I got mine a few weeks ago, so I think this has been going on for a while now.

Good luck!

ithinkicanithinkican · 19/05/2023 22:48

Wow, I picked up a 6 month prescription yesterday, no issues. I'm in Scotland. Interesting that there is now a limit - I wonder if that's just in England, although can't see why there should be a difference in other parts of the UK.

QueenOfHiraeth · 19/05/2023 23:04

Our pharmacy told me that the supply is hit and miss. They can't get any for a few days then get one order that arrives but, of course, there is a backlog in supply to patients
Alternatives are medroxyprogesterone 10mg (Provera) or norethisterone 5mg or switch to combined patches

ScrummyDiva2 · 19/05/2023 23:15

Or swap to the Mirena coil! Gives cover for HRT for 5 years!

DontStopMeNow7 · 19/05/2023 23:27

This is an easy fix. Tell your GP it’s not available and they will prescribe an alternative. Also, Gp receptionists often have access to pharmacies’ stock and they can tell you where it is available.

I have done both of these things. It’s not your problem to solve - it’s your GP’s.

HundredMilesAnHour · 19/05/2023 23:36

My GP has also prescribed me Provera because of the Utrogestan continued shortage. I've had zero side effects with Provera so happy with it.

LostMySocks · 19/05/2023 23:46

Collected a prescription on Wednesday. Went from ’18 other prescriptions waiting' on Saturday to bring waiting for me when I popped in on the off chance. Was Boots.

DontStopMeNow7 · 19/05/2023 23:49

Yeah I had Provera prescribed instead earlier this year. Then just 2 weeks ago Urogestran became available again in Boots.

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