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[Stella2]

I wonder what are your experiences. Every 3 months when I need to pick up my Estrodot, I have to wait for a week or so until the pharmacy gets it as there is usually a problem with distribution. This time is more than a month. I don't want to change to  a different patch as every time when I change something I experience sode effects. I am so scared that I won't get Utrogestan as there's no replacement for this.
 Do we need to suffer like this? Does anyone know how to start a campaign, I feel like totally invisible and I know that I am not alone! 

[Suza]

Hi
I am experiencing the same problem as you, but with evorel 50 patches.
Usually get prescribed 3 months, last month I managed to source some from my local boots chemist as my usual pharmacy said they couldn't get them.
This time they still can't get them so they say, so I emailed Theramex who manufacture the patches and they replied that Evorel 50, 8 pack is currently unavailable till Q4 2023, however the 24 pack will be back in stock next week, so I will pass this info onto my local chemist, as they're showing out of stock on the boots prescription checker

[SarahT]

It is awful the supply in our area too. There is a rumour online that estradot 50 may be available soon, but estradot 100 availability has been put back for another month at least. I am fortunate I do not take utrogestan anymore as I decided to o for mirena coil instead, took a while to settle down, but for me has the advantage of finally stopping periods, and also means an end to the terrible hormonal crashes I had each month.

I have tried local and independent chemists for estradot to no avail, and today decided to take the pharmacies very last box of any brand of 50 hrt, (!) estraderm instead. I am dreading being set back to how  I was before I finally settled down to a form of normality on estradot.
Flossiecake says she does ok on different brands, and I hope the same is for me....


But yes, I cannot for the life of me understand how we can be given a hope of easing symptoms, only to have the real anxiety of virtually having medical support withdrawn due to supply dificulties. Yes, we can be offered alternatives if we are lucky, but many of us face the prospect of side effects and the worry of hormonal levels may be further imbalanced. It is a very anxious time for me and I am sure many others.

[LSmarty]

Hi

I can't get estradot anywhere either which is very frustrating after being changed from one thing to another and now I feel I'm just about getting there but it's out of stock!
 
Why has the 100 patch been set back 1 month I wonder 

Take care
Les xox

[Stella2]

It is so frustrating, I had the same with 75 patch and now 50, I see 100 also an issue. And it doesn't help if you suffer from anxiety as many of us do during this stage in life.
Davina helped with raising awareness of HRT but it looks like we need someone to do so regarding shortages.

[LSmarty]

Maybe Davina is the one to campaign about the shortages after doing a good job about HRT

Les xox

[Stella2]

Yes, we need someone to raise awareness of this, it has been going on for too long. I hope someone may have an idea of what to do about it xx

[Dotty]

Diane Danzebrink of The Menopause Support Group is constantly working and campaigning on this.

Look up her website or she’s on Instagram or Facebook.

https://menopausesupport.co.uk/

[Taz2]

It has been covered on news programmes in the past few weeks. It seems to be driven by the increased demand. It can take a long time to formulate HRT apparently. I'm unable to get Evorel 50 and part of the problem is that pharmacists are not allowed to issue two 25 packs (which are in stock) instead of one box of 50. Also, Evorel has been given permission to be used where Eatradot has been unavailable leading to Evorel 50 and 100 stocks running low.

Taz x

[Stella2]

Good to hear that, I haven't been watching the news, only reading, so I haven't noticed anything and haven't checked the menopause support group.
It would be so helpful if pharmacists could issue replacements for us and I remember there were talks about this but nothing changed.

[Taz2]

If you click on the products mentioned here you it gives details of what's been put in place https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pharmacies-gp-practices-and-appliance-contractors/serious-shortage-protocols-ssps

Taz x

[Stella2]

Thank you Taz x

[Taz2]

Here's hoping we all get our supplies soon.

Taz x

[flossie fiddler]

I feel your pain. Last time I chatted with the pharmacist at Boots and she said to try independent local pharmacies. The bigger ones like Boots, Lloyds etc can only order from certain suppliers, but she said that the smaller ones can ring any of the suppliers until they find items in stock. I’m now getting all my prescriptions sent to a small local pharmacy, and fingers crossed, no problems so far.

[Taz2]

My small pharmacy was fine until last week but they have problems now sourcing many medications especially HRT and antidepressants. They are also having problems with OTC medications such as gaviscon and cold and flu products. They have seen an influx of prescriptions from people who usually use bigger pharmacies. I guess there really is a shortage further up the chain?

Taz x