Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Katejo on November 23, 2018, 12:47:56 PM

Title: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: Katejo on November 23, 2018, 12:47:56 PM
I had a very positive appointment with a urogynaecologist this morning. I will write something about it later today or tomorrow (at work now). However I wanted to mention one thing in case others have had the same problem. She was willing to prescribe me more Vagifem today because of the problems I was having in getting it from the GP. I went to the hospital pharmacy but came away empty handed. The local hospital authority doesn't allow Vagifem to be prescribed. Only Ovestin is approved. I have to take the prescription back to the GP to get any more. I asked the pharmacist in Boots about it and he said it was purely a budget problem.   :(
I am going to ring the relevant dept/clinic and ask them to let the consultant know that the prescription was refused.
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: Krystal on December 03, 2018, 07:45:38 PM
In my experience Vagifem can only be prescribed by a GP as it is approved by NICE and it is likely the cost is borne by the Primary Care Trust (PCT) for whom the GP has the budget.
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: NorthArm on December 03, 2018, 07:51:40 PM
You poor thing! I'll bet it doesn't happen with Viagara!!!
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: Shadyglade on December 03, 2018, 09:32:42 PM
Can you get it from an online pharmacy?
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: Katejo on December 03, 2018, 11:44:34 PM
Can you get it from an online pharmacy?
Yes I could but it would be expensive. Will try the GP first. It puzzled me that the hospital doctor didn't know that the pharmacy wouldn't supply it.
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: Katejo on December 04, 2018, 07:11:51 PM
Can you get it from an online pharmacy?
   I eventually managed to speak to the pharmacist at my practice today when i had to go for a blood pressure check. She insisted I need to speak to the GP but also claimed that 1 vagifem twice a week was enough for 90% of users and only 10% need it more frequently. I am supposed to be an exception! I didn't argue because I didn't have any actual stats to hand but said that I had come across plenty of women who needed it more frequently. She did at least book an appointment for me.
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: Shadyglade on December 04, 2018, 07:19:08 PM
Wow, talk about scary gate keeper.

I hate it when receptionists think they're doctor,
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: Katejo on December 04, 2018, 10:06:31 PM
Wow, talk about scary gate keeper.

I hate it when receptionists think they're doctor,
She is a pharmacist not a receptionist but I have had annoying receptionists too.
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: NorthArm on December 06, 2018, 06:30:45 AM
So, a pharmacist knowing more than a urogynaecologist....? Hmmm, maybe she's in the wrong profession lol. I hope you get it all sorted soon xx
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: Katejo on December 06, 2018, 10:58:17 AM
So, a pharmacist knowing more than a urogynaecologist....? Hmmm, maybe she's in the wrong profession lol. I hope you get it all sorted soon xx
Yes annoying! she offered to take the hospital prescription from me to pass to the doctor  but the writing on it is too pale to photocopy and I didn't want to hand the original document to them. I could see it getting lost somewhere.
Title: Re: Pharmacy block on supply of Vagifem
Post by: NorthArm on December 06, 2018, 06:38:11 PM
Yes, I fully understand xx