Can no longer get Vaniqa on NHS

[Deminism]

I use Vaniqa (Eflornifine) for hirsuitism on face - I have PCOS. I Have tried electrolysis, laser and metformin but nothing actually works for me except Vaniqa. The NHS has just stopped prescribing it due to cuts. I understand - it is not life saving (well, tbh it does save my mental health as would have full beard otherwise) and also costs £60 a tube. GP is prepared to give private prescription so I can get it and pay for it but that is a lot of money. Anyone know any alternatives or have any suggestions?
Thanks

I know it isn't a permanent solution, but could you wax instead? It would avoid any 5 o clock shadow or stubble that you would get from shaving.

Alternatively, have you actually spoken to the Dr about this? Mine stopped prescribing me something, but when I explained that I cannot afford to buy it otc they put it back on my prescription.

waxing would need it to grow a certain length first so I would have v obvious hair in between waxes. I have to shave at least once, sometimes, twice, a day if not using the cream.

GP said not in their power to do so - is an edict from the commissioning powers that be.

Could you appeal to the CCG directly? There is something (like exceptional circumstances but not that) which means sometimes CCGs can go against their own policy. Maybe get your MP involved as on the grounds of something being classified as “non essential cosmetic” when actually it should probably come under “mental health” - and if you also ask the CCG for details of how they carried out the public consultation to approve this change you may find it wasn’t carried out correctly.

How is your PCOS managed in other ways? Sometimes dealing with the underlying hormone issues can really improve the symptoms: my facial hair and skin problems get better when my cycle and hormones are better.

Have you tried things like inofolic, spirulina etc?

Lastly maybe try contacting Verity the PCOS charity: they may be able to advise or support you.

the idea of talking about my hairy chin anywhere other than directly to my lovely female gp, or here anonymously, is too upsetting to think about really so that's def a no

You don’t have to talk about the problem in detail, just that a medication you were previously identified as requiring is no longer being prescribed.

If you take hormonal contraceptives? I wonder if that could help.

I don’t. They did help (12 years ago pre babies) but they also made me moody and tearful.

In the US:

Vaniqa Cream ( eflornithine HCl; Allergan ) 13.9% is currently still unavailable due to a shortage of the active ingredient, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vaniqa, a hair growth inhibitor, is meant to reduce unwanted facial hair in women.

If I were you I would try and fund as much as possible as fast as possible if this is what works for you.

onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/facial-hair-removal/vaniqa expensive but can be bought from Lloyd's pharmacy

Mine was stopped too, before Christmas.

Dr had me have some blood tests and based on those I now have it back on prescription.

Problem being, I didn't bear what the reason was of the full results of the blood tests because of traffic going past!
I really should ring again and ask.

Oh that is interesting. Are you in England?

Yes I am