Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: claude66 on May 27, 2018, 09:00:27 PM

Title: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: claude66 on May 27, 2018, 09:00:27 PM
I recently moved house and have to get my prescriptions filled at a new pharmacy. The pharmacist is telling me there is a supply issue with estrogel. I've never experienced problems before - just wondered if anyone had heard this in the past week or so?
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Stephjkm on May 27, 2018, 09:18:47 PM
It was a problem about a month or so ago but was apparently resolved.

I've also moved home and have been to a different pharmacy for my prescription this week and got the same response as you
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: claude66 on May 27, 2018, 09:25:36 PM
that's interesting. Maybe there is a new issue? hard to tell if that's the case or it's just a pharmacy in the sticks not searching properly
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Tinkerbell on May 27, 2018, 09:40:44 PM
I have had this problem with Boots on several occasions but went to the one remaining independent chemist in our area and had no problem getting it.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Dotty on May 28, 2018, 06:23:44 AM
There was a problem at the end of March, beginning of April. Hope it's not happened again!
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: mawsley on May 29, 2018, 02:13:11 PM
 Just had the same problem today!. GP Dispensary said Estrogel out of stock. Only gave me my Utrogestan!!.. I have left Estrogel scrpit with another pharmacist to try and get hold of it.. now I'm thinking I may have to switch to Sandrena?? :(
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Tinkerbell on May 29, 2018, 04:23:06 PM
I just got back from my local independent chemist, Boots only had the oestrodose, to be told by the pharmacist she had a whole drawerful of Estrogel, felt like telling her I would take it all off her hands!
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Saffy on May 29, 2018, 06:58:21 PM
Further to my post on the other thread, I have just managed to source 3 packs of Estrogel from a local independent chemist. No-one else had any, save for one pack of Oestrodose at another independent and none of the wholesalers have any in stock. As a new user, I actually felt a bit guilty that I may have deprived someone of their regular supply (it doesn't seem to be prescribed much locally)  :-\.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Stephjkm on May 30, 2018, 07:12:16 AM
I've just e-mailed the manufacturer to ask what the problem is. I'll post when I get a reply.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Stephjkm on May 30, 2018, 06:29:48 PM
I received the following reply from Besins this evening. Maybe us all talking about oestrogel is causing the increased demand!

Dear Stephanie,

 

New stock of Oestrogel is arriving over this weekend and will be available from early next week onwards.

 

P.S. There is no manufacturing issue, the current situation is mainly due to unexpected high demand during the last couple of months and we have managed to bring forward some of the supplies.

 

Please let me know in case you face any further issue.

 

Kind regards

 

Lawrence

 

 

Lawrence A. Lobo

Supply Chain & Business Intelligence Manager

Besins Healthcare (UK) Ltd,

Office:   +44 (0) 203 862 0920 Tel : Direct +44 203 862 0933 E-mail: [email protected]

Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Saffy on May 30, 2018, 07:51:42 PM
That's reassuring! Thanks Steph  :).
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on May 30, 2018, 08:01:35 PM
Well done for that good info and no surprise,hopefully they'll discontinue estrodose then on that basis,no demand.x
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Dotty on June 08, 2018, 01:30:28 PM
I still can't get Oestrogel .... is anyone else having same problem? Thanks
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Artmouse on June 08, 2018, 02:32:34 PM
Yes, have given up trying to get it!
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Tinkerbell on June 08, 2018, 02:41:42 PM
Boots didn't have it but a local independent did, a drawer full of it  of it😁
So if anyone is in Hampshire, feel free to PM for address.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Kathleen on June 08, 2018, 02:42:05 PM
Hello Ladies.

I am also trying to track down Oestrogel. I've had no luck with  Boots  or Lloyds so today I asked in a small independent pharmacy and they have placed an order and tell me that it will be available to collect tomorrow.  Fingers crossed. I'm post menopause and using two pumps which isn't great as I'm still having symptoms so I was thinking about increasing  to three or four pumps but I'm glad I didn't as I'd have nothing left by now!

I hope this is all resolved soon for all our sakes.

Take care all.

K.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Dotty on June 08, 2018, 02:49:16 PM
Hi Kathleen

I've been told by one pharmacy that there isn't a problem now so I'm hoping that my surgery can now find it for me. I use 4 pumps a day.

Let me know if you get some. X
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 08, 2018, 03:02:49 PM
Dotty do you get breast pain on 4 pumps I'm wondering now if I'm not using enough and that's why I'm still getting soreness it's really bugging me.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Dotty on June 08, 2018, 03:12:38 PM
Hi Daisydot

No I don't get breast pain. I didn't notice much improvement till I upped it to 4 pumps. Even 3.5 didn't do much.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 08, 2018, 03:23:05 PM
Ok that's good Dotty.im on 2 just increased but still getting horrible sore breast pain.thank you Dotty.x
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Stephjkm on June 08, 2018, 10:44:01 PM
I got mine today. Apparently back orders are filled first so it may take a bit longer to get to your pharmacy, depending on when they ordered it.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Dotty on June 09, 2018, 06:46:17 AM
Thanks Stephjkm. Hopefully I'll get mine this week.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Wilks on June 09, 2018, 07:11:36 AM
I think there's an ongoing problem with medicines supply in general in the UK.
 I also read that some pharmacies are diverting medicines intended for UK patients and instead selling them wholesale to other European countries because the UK has the lowest (or one of the lowest) prices for medicines.
I was given a packet of fluoxetine manufactured by a generics company that has had its Good Manufacturing Practice licence withdrawn by the UK agency (MHRA). I wasn't happy about that!
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Kathleen on June 10, 2018, 03:09:04 PM
Hello again ladies.

Just wanted to say that my independent pharmacy came up trumps and I have my sweaty little mits on some gel, yay!. Hopefully the supply issues have now been resolved.

Take care all.

K.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 09:45:27 AM
Just back from pharmacy struggling to get my oestrogel from suppliers so I've asked them to keep trying as I'm in no rush for it.just thought I'd update.xx
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Dotty on June 12, 2018, 10:58:55 AM
Same here Daisydot . My surgerycant get it but another pharmacy say it's back in stock so they are going to get it for me hopefully.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 11:34:26 AM
Fingers crossed for you Dotty such a bloody pain isn't it.xx
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Dotty on June 12, 2018, 11:36:32 AM
i emailed the manufacturer and they say it's back in stock and available. 
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 11:46:02 AM
I've got to go back later today to collect my script for estring so they have been lucky and got it hope so.xx thanks Dotty x
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Joaniepat on June 12, 2018, 12:44:02 PM
I got Oestrogel from a Lloyd's Pharmacy today (a few miles southwest of London). My heart is always in my mouth these days for fear I won't get it, or be palmed off with Oestrodose even though my prescription specifies Oestrogel, or that someone at the GP surgery will play sillybuggers with me. Anyone know a cure for chronic pessimism?  ;D
JP x
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 12:45:27 PM
Yes Jp “Stockpile”  :rofl:
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Joaniepat on June 12, 2018, 01:00:58 PM
Oh I do, I do Daisydot! Spare everything is my motto! My anxiety at the moment is that I don't have a spare Estring! I was given a blank look when I mentioned the Estring last time I was at the surgery, but at least I found out who does all their wimmin's stuff. I've made an appointment with her but it's not for a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to road test this lady, and I live in hopes she knows at least as much as I do  ::)

Anyway, I hope you get your Estring today and get on well with it. I've found it less irritating than daily Vagifem and better for bladder issues, so if you have been OK with Vagifem you should find it suits.

JP x
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 01:04:30 PM
How do you know when it needs changed Jp do you just calendar it then use that as an indicator of when it needs done.Im actually looking forward to changing from vagifem now.ty xx
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Robin on June 12, 2018, 01:21:01 PM
I know by how everything feels down there. Once the irritation starts coming back it's time to change. I don't manage to get to 3 months before it runs out but my VA was untreated for years so I'm hoping that estring will last longer as things get healthier down there.

Do you get a full 3 months out of it joaniepat?

Robin
X
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 01:26:40 PM
You can bet I'll be the same then Robin as soon as the handbag starts going in front of me hubby usually says oh oh itchy Annie's back  :rofl:
Still not had my phone call from chemists and I'm stuck in waiting on this delivery today feel like I have my wings clipped waiting on deliveries but I can't miss this one.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Robin on June 12, 2018, 01:29:00 PM
I imagine the dryer we are down there the quicker the oestrogen will be absorbed. I do have super absorbent skin. I know from using moisturisers and my hairdresser always comments on how my skin soaks up hair dye so much more than their other clients. It's not a good look  :-\

Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Robin on June 12, 2018, 01:32:56 PM
 :rofl:

I'm going to be looking out for women with handbags now. Actually what a good disguise I might give that a whirl myself when that itch strikes.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Robin on June 12, 2018, 01:35:57 PM
Hope you manage to get it soon I'm awaiting deliveries too. Pain in the neck but preferable to shopping
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Joaniepat on June 12, 2018, 02:33:21 PM
This is my first Estring so don't really know what to expect regarding it running out. Hopefully I'll be able to get it changed before the 90 day mark which will be 3 July. How much mileage do you get out of yours Robin? I'm still inclined to feel quite fragile around the vagina entrance in spite of Estring and daily external Ovestin, plus 3 pumps Oestrogel. You can only throw so much oestrogen at it, so I might go for the MLT. Anyway, due at the menopause clinic tomorrow so will see what happens next.

Best of luck with it Daisydot!
JP x
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 02:36:09 PM
Good luck for tomorrow Joaniepat I hope it goes totally your way and you get all the help you need.lets know how it goes xx
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Joaniepat on June 12, 2018, 02:41:40 PM
Thanks Daisydot!
JP x
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Robin on June 12, 2018, 02:42:24 PM
7-10 weeks but early days still I'm hoping that it will eventually last longer. My skin is still very very thin at the entrance and around my back passage too. Probably because my VA was untreated for so long even though I was asking for oestrogen. If I could tolerate the cream externally in conjunction with the estring then I would but it causes me too many problems.

Good luck with tomorrow's appointment
Keep us posted

Robin
X
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 02:47:21 PM
I do such much better with vagisil prohydrate Robin for external use I find it much better than a lot of the others and I'm really sensituve I'm down to once daily with that now plus vagifem at night of course.its around a fiver in boots but lasts for ages.i have it on repeat from amazon so get it cheaper that way.have a look.xx
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Robin on June 12, 2018, 02:52:48 PM
Will do thanks. That's one I haven't tried. I wish there was something nonirritating that contained oestrogen for external use. I'm beginning to think we should go into production of all these products we can't get our hands on ourselves. We could have great fun with the names  ;D
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 02:54:53 PM
I can feel a new thread coming on Robin  :rofl: I dare you lol.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 07:43:05 PM
Well latest one is my lovely pharmacist has sourced the oestrogel for me so that's good I'll hopefully pick up tomorrow b4 I go on hols he'll also get the info I want re the costings via his chemist for Tostran and well work out how long the T supplied will actually last before I commit to buying and the biggie for me was he had my estring waiting for me and surprise surprise the packaging was all in Italian.So much for being lectured on the perils of buying our meds abroad when that's exactly whats happening via the nhs,really makes a mockery doesent it.You can have the “cheaper “ oestrodose as the chemist said to me but if you want to hang on I'll try and source the oestrogel as I know you prefer that.
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Tempest on June 12, 2018, 08:16:31 PM
DD, that's good news! I'm wanting the estring too - let me know how you get on with it! :) xxxx
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 08:23:50 PM
I'll tell you what Tempest if it's half as good as the other ladies tell me I'll buy it by the barrow load lol we can live on sq sliced for a month lol.
I'm just lazy and can't be bothered with the hassle of fighting to get supplies of vagifem because I need to use more than suggested.Ill keep you updated.xx
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Tempest on June 12, 2018, 08:38:49 PM
Good stuff, DD! I want it as I need less things to faff around with on a regular basis, and once it's inserted I can forget about it for a bit. ;)

I do wish we had the vaginal ring that they have in the US that releases a continuous systemic dose. Apparently this is almost as steady as implants and lasts about 90 days. I'd have no problems with that, and the girls I've spoken to who have it say that you really can't tell that it's there (you can remove it yourself before any intimacy and reinsert it yourself very easily, but you don't absolutely have to). xxxx
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 12, 2018, 09:40:18 PM
I thought that's what the estring was all about Tempest.It lasts three months and gives a steady dose of oestrogen.?
By the way I tried the one dose of gel morning and one dose evening it was no good for me.
I thought,like you say I'd be better doing it that way to get a consistent dose throughout the day but it didn't work it seemed to make me hyper at night and since I've changed to 2 doses in morning,well 2.5 now,it's been better I mostly have really good days,it's first thing when I wake I feel a bit flat but once I'm up and dosed up again my days are pretty good.
Good luck Tempest you deserve it xx
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Lanzalover on June 12, 2018, 09:51:47 PM
That's good news Daisydot.

Enjoy your holiday.

Lanzalover x
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Robin on June 12, 2018, 10:07:10 PM
Hi Tempest,

The American vaginal ring you describe sounds identical to estring. I use it as I react to the creams. It's been excellent for me.

Robin
X
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Dotty on June 15, 2018, 08:11:43 AM
Hi everyone
Got my 3 month supply of Oestrogel yesterday so am relieved and happy. Just hope I don't have the same problem in 3 months time. It is definitely back in stock. X
Title: Re: Estrogel supply issues?
Post by: Daisydot on June 15, 2018, 09:40:59 AM
That's great Dotty well done I'm stocking up this morning lol.
Xx