Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Bella247 on March 13, 2024, 08:05:28 PM
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So I’ve been on a long journey with vaginal atrophy. After some great advice on here I got my GP to switch me over from estriol cream (which wasn’t working) to Ovestin. Despite my GP telling me it was the “same thing” I was able to point out it was a different concentration albeit the same active ingredient.
Id seen quite a lot of an improvement over the last few months. Then today I went to pick up my prescription from boots to be told there was a shortage everywhere. I called around a few chemists. Most said they can’t order it and one said it’s been discontinued. One recommended I ask my GP for a generic version which she has done but the brand is estriol. I’ve asked the pharmacist and she said it’s the same concentration. Does anyone happen to understand this or have any experience of using this in place of Ovestin.
The one I was using was estriol 0.01%. This didn’t work but Ovestin 0.1% did . Is there an estriol 0.1%?
I’m so fed up. The stupid GP said if this doesn’t work I should try a pessary (they clearly didn’t read my notes as I’ve used Vagirux (plus estriol) and this combination didn’t work.
I don’t understand why they would discontinue Ovestin :'(
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There is another thread on this which explains that the patent for Ovestin has expired, and you should now request Estriol 0.1% cream. It will be the same as Ovestin.
JP x
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I can't find any mention of this being discontinued totally but it is being removed from the HRT PPC list https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc/medicines-covered-hrt-ppc. Maybe this has caused confusion? Do you use a pre payment certificate?
Taz x
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I can't find any mention of this being discontinued totally but it is being removed from the HRT PPC list https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc/medicines-covered-hrt-ppc. Maybe this has caused confusion? Do you use a pre payment certificate?
Taz x
Yes I do use a pre payment. Does this mean I will now have to pay for it on top? I don’t take any other HRT currently
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There is another thread on this which explains that the patent for Ovestin has expired, and you should now request Estriol 0.1% cream. It will be the same as Ovestin.
JP x
Thanks for that. I don’t suppose you know where I can find the thread? I hope the generic version is as effective as the branded one
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I will find it and bump it for you.
JP x
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A link to the thread
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,69017.0.html
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I see that you've posted twice :-\
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Will estriol / ovestin still be given on prescription? Surely it will still be given on prescription?
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Can't see any reason why it wouldn't still be given on prescription.
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I can't find any mention of this being discontinued totally but it is being removed from the HRT PPC list https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc/medicines-covered-hrt-ppc. Maybe this has caused confusion? Do you use a pre payment certificate?
Taz x
Is it definitely being removed, Taz? It’s still on the list you mentioned above.
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Given the number of women who rely on local hrt, me being one, I can't see them making us pay, not after the all the publicity about women paying for hrt prescriptions, as highlighted by Davina McCall.
.
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As far as I know as it's on my repeat, it isn't likely to be withdrawn, it's simply a different manufacturer. If however the costs go up, then the NHS may refuse to 'buy' it.
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I thought I should update on this in case anyone’s worried about this. I got the generic version of this. It’s actually manufactured by the same company and seems fine. Panic over ;D
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:thankyou:
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Phew thanks for that.
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I thought I should update on this in case anyone’s worried about this. I got the generic version of this. It’s actually manufactured by the same company and seems fine. Panic over ;D
What is the name of it please? xx
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My script is for estriol but I was given 'ovestin' this week so it's not unavailable everywhere. I could do a trade on e-bay ;D
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I had same surprise with Estring ring this morning at my Meno clinic I went to to have it changed, and walked out with Imvaggis I never heard about..
Looks like nhs and pharma are getting reorganised re our vaginas, hence shortages..? :o
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I managed to get ovestin last week but I am just thinking about for next time ... I wish it was as easy as buying on ebay clkd ;)
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It's all that packing up then the buyer returning the product 'cos it doesn't work ;D
That's odd orrla, was there any explanation?
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The pharmacy today told me it has been discontinued. I have been prescribed estriol 1mg/g cream. The box, the tube the paperwork is exactly the same. The ingredients and dosage is identical. Apparently there is a shortage of estriol too.