Estradot shortages AGAIN

[CharityShopChic]

Seriously, thought we were over this shitshow of shortages. Last two times I have ordered my patches - specifically noting to GP I need Estradot, not generic or Evorel as I am allergic to the adhesive - they have sent me Evorel anyway because there are shortages of Estradot.

FFS, this has been going on for three years, it's not getting any better and I've just had to spend £80 on a private 3 month supply as I just can't manage without. Funny how the private pharmacies can get the stock.

(On the other hand, if anyone would like 6 boxes of unopened Evorel 75 patches let me know).

I hear you. Estradot work best for me I am on 50mg but haven't been able to get them for at least 4 months. Evorel don't work me at all so I have had estramon and estradiol. They both are very similar patches to estradot and have worked fine for me so maybe see can you get one of them instead. I am in Ireland we get all prescriptions from the pharmacy so at least I can shop around and also chat with pharmacist about what works best for me.

Apparently the shortage is going to last all year. Do you mind me asking which private supplier you used? I haven’t been able to get hold of any Estradot 50 and have problems with evorel as the patch just doesn’t stay on.

Estradot are on stock supply issues atm (serious shortage protocol) and private pharmacies will just have existing stock, it's not that they are getting new stock. Or they are buying it from other countries where stock exists.

Resupply dates are 28th Feb for 50mcg, 7th Feb for 100 and apparently 75 should be coming back into supply. However this information was last update beginning Jan so may be out of date.

Well I have well and truly fucked up and ordered 3 packs of 25 mcg patches not 75 mcg patches.

So I can use 3 patches at a time, but obviously that means that they will only last a month, not 3 months. I also have lots of Evorel that make my skin very itchy but might end up just using them and taking antihistamines to try to cope with the irritation.

THIS IS REALLY SHIT

Asda online doctor have estradot 50 in on a private subscription, boots online dr only have estradot 25. I'm currently using a 1 1/2 patches to make up a 75 patch. I've also got Evorel but they irritate my skin but can use them as a last resort. Gutted to hear that the shortage maybe all year

I tried Asda a couple of weeks ago but they only prescribe the estradot with progesterone, and I've had a hysterectomy. They wouldn't prescribe just estadot, I have no idea why not..

Oh bloody hell, that's so frustrating and annoying. I do need to the progesterone so didn't realise they wouldn't prescribe the patches only

I've been on Evorel 75 for years but prefer Estradot as Evorel now makes me itch a bit. But for the past few years all I've been given is Evorel so just got on with it.

Bizarrely, last month I was given Estradot, 3 months supply, and it's nice not to have red skin and an itch. These shortages are unpredictable - who knows what I'll get next time.

Switch to gel, OP. I suggested it to my GP who agreed, saying lots of medics don’t think much of the absorption of the alternative patches my pharmacy gave me when they couldn’t get Estradot.

No can do - have tried that and was very bad on the gel, first ever full blown panic attack. Patches or nothing.

Yup. I also get itchy welts from Evorel adhesive, so have estradot as preferred brand(100mg). I am with pharmacy2u and they've sent me a code to use elsewhere as they cannot fulfil. Which is great - I doubt I will be able to find it elsewhere! They haven't had any notification of them coming back into stock (SSP said mid-Jan, then early Feb, but nothing).

I have 1 month of Evorel left, which I was going to hand back to a pharmacy, but may have to stick with them. ☹️

Are any other brands / generics using the same adhesive as estradot, does anyone know?

Edit for typo

Ooo, adding to say I've just done a Boots stock check, and they have generic estradiol 100mg patches in. I'll go in tomorrow and see if they are estradot or Evorel style. Thank you to the pp who mentioned them!

Glad to hear about all the other allergy sufferers as I have been told so many times how unusual it is (almost as if I caused it myself!). I am currently out of Estradot 50 and nowhere has them. I am allergic to Estradot too but it's small at least.

Feeling very frustrated. Also allergic to gel....

I managed to get 1 box of estradot from my local Superdrug, but that was the last one. I will have to get my prescription filled with Evorel at a later date. ☹️. Sadly, the generic which the checker said was in stock at Boots is just a reference for estradot. There is no generic in that format / glue. There is another brand for the Evorel format. Sigh.

I think I'll be OK as I have a mixture of 25s, 37.5s and 75s which I can cobble together to keep me going until hopefully this situation resolves.

It's definitely the glue. I was never previously allergic to glue but I am now sensitive to plasters too - when I give blood they have to use gauze and tape rather than plaster. I never used to be like this, not sure if it's me who has changed, or the plasters.

Is the generic Estraderm because I have been told to get that today? I can't do Evorel. Wrong amount of progesterone and allergies.

An update on my previous post in January - just picked up my latest prescription, and back to Evorel I'm afraid.

I'm OK on them apart from get a bit red and itchy sometimes - they presumably changed the adhesive a few years ago as previously had no problem.

Pharmacist said he can't work out why they have this problem periodically.

System says 50mg 28th Feb resupply and 100 and 75s 14th March

I just got some Estaderm which I have never tried before but fully expect to be allergic. Hopefully, I can get Estradot next time. I have driven nearly all the way round my county looking even for Estraderm.

I too suffered the angry, itchy welts from Evorel and the nasty black patchwork where adhesive stays on the skin.

Not any more though!

Now, I apply a Tegaderm transparent dressing over the top of the patch. No more irritation and it holds the patch down 100%.

I'm having to save my estradot for an upcoming sunny holiday - I don't want to know how much worse the itchy welts / rash would be with added damp swimsuit and sand..... Would be very interested to know if estraderm is any better than evorel.

I'll let you know! I am allergic to all of them, mind!

Regarding Estraderm - a few years back when there was a shortage of every brand, I was given this and if I remember rightly wasn't allergic to them but they didn't stay on and I had to use micropore tape to hold the patch in place.