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Author Topic: Advice on ensuring I get Gepretix vs Utrogestan main brand from GP/pharmacy  (Read 770 times)

Kai_63

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I realised that I am much better on Gepretix than the usual Utrogestan brand. On the latter my only side effect is I don't sleep quite as well but I don't have the issues with nausea, migraines, low mood or anxiety I get with the main brand of Utrogestan.

However, when I request Gepretix on my repeat prescription at the GP (this is the GP's admin team rather than the GP) they just ignore it and put progesterone because 'they're the same'.

My usual pharmacy then insist that the main brand Utrogestan (which they more often have in stock) is exactly the same as Gepretix. I will try other pharmacies but worried I'd hear the same.

Has anyone had more luck than me in getting put on the specific version they prefer? I'm wary of meeting a GP to see if I can request it unless I have more arguments lined up. I know they have the same main ingredients but I definitely feel better on Gepretix!

For context I am on 12 days cyclical 200mcg orally, mid 40s and perimenopausal. I definitely don't want to move to vaginal for numerous reasons that have been discussed at length on various other forum posts.
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Kathleen

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Hello Kai_63

I had a similar problem when I was using pumps of gel. I would write on my paper prescription that only a particular product should be dispensed. I realised that the pharmacist assumed this note came from the GP so I always got what I wanted.

Perhaps you can message your GP and explain that Gepretix works best for you and  ask him or her to make a note on your records/ prescription. I think instructions from your Doctor trump all other opinions on the matter!

I hope this helps and I wish you well.

K.
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sheila99

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Gepretex is supposed to be the cheaper alternative so there shouldn't be a problem getting it specifically prescribed. Your reasons seem perfectly valid to me. Or if you have a choice of pharmacies you could ring round and perhaps find one that regularly stocks it.
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Traceylr

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hi there, there is a slight difference in composition Gepretex contains grapeseed oil , Utrogestan contains sunflower oil. I had the opposite to you able to tolerate Utro better than Gepretex , i told the GP’s pharmacist that i had a an intolerance to grapeseed oil ( makes me nauseous) I was prescribed Utrogestan only from then on . Perhaps an ‘intolerance’ to sunflower oil might be your solution? Worth a try? Things we have to do to get what we need! Good luck .
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bombsh3ll

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Just explain the situation to your GP like you have here.

Yes the active ingredient is the same but some of the excipients are different.

Usually GPs are happy to prescribe by name if there is a legitimate clinical reason and not someone just being a little princess.

Gepretix is cheaper anyway and it is no bother for a pharmacy to order it in if it's not already on the shelf. If it is too much trouble then find another pharmacy.
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