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[VioletAquarius]

I had a call from my gp surgery today to say following nhs guidelines they are no longer prescribing Vagifem, as it costs too much and are therefore now to start prescribing a generic one, named just "Estradiol". They said it's the same ingredients as Vagifem.

I asked if it was for all of the UK and he said yes.

Has anyone else been told this? Can we refuse? Or could I change to Estradiol and if it doesn't suit ask to be changed back?

 I'm just a bit worried as some ladies on here have used a different brand but didn't get along with it,even though it was the same ingredients.  (I can't remember exactly what the problem was, can anyone help, just so I have the information in case I need it with the gp).

[sheila99]

I would try it first then go back to your GP if you have problems with it. I've had something different ( might have been vagirux?) and it was fine.

[CLKD]

estriodol should be OK. Vagifux is the cheaper version and many do not get on with it.  Is this NHS Policy or cuts in your Practice? 

[bombsh3ll]

This is entirely reasonable, it is the same active ingredient and if everyone demanded brand name medications the NHS would be bankrupt in a day.

If there is a genuine clinical reason why someone requires a more expensive brand of the same medication, an exception can usually be made, but not just because the box isn't as pretty or someone on social media says it's rubbish.

[Ayesha]

It was only a matter of time, Vagifem is so expensive and all that plastic is really not acceptable. Will have to wait and see for side effects, Vagirux has caused issues with some, lets hope its not the same. 

[VioletAquarius]

Thank you everyone!

CLKD - he just said they were following nhs guidelines, so I'm not sure if the nhs as a whole is cutting costs or just my gp practice.