UK pharmacists to offer alternatives to out of stock HRT products
Pharmacists will be allowed to offer alternative hormone replacement therapy products if the original prescription is out of stock, under new rules aimed at tackling the ongoing shortage.
The relaxing of normal prescribing rules, announced by the government’s HRT supply taskforce, comes amid shortages of HRT products that have left some women travelling across the country to access medicines.
It follows calls, highlighted by the Guardian, by pharmacists to be allowed to dispense substitute versions of medicines without having to contact the prescriber – normally a GP – for permission each time.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “We are working to ensure HRT is available for everyone who needs it and I am pleased to see suppliers continuing to increase the supply of some products which is a testament to the collaborative approach being taken.”
“Meetings with suppliers are ongoing and we’re taking decisive action to manage HRT supply issues and reduce any delays – this includes issuing further SSPs so that women are able to access the medication they need.”
Under the Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) announced by Javid, pharmacists will be able to offer patients another product to relieve their symptoms if their normal HRT is out of stock.
At the end of April, the government issued three SSPs to restrict dispensing for Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique Low Dose to three months’ supply to help relieve pressure in the system.
The two new further SSPs are for Lenzetto transdermal spray and Sandrena gel, which will also be put on a three-month supply. Under the rules, all these items can generally be substituted for transdermal patches.
Prof Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, welcomed the
Read more on theguardian.com
