Europe-wide HRT shortage reaches island
EUROPE-WIDE shortages of hormone replacement therapy patches mean that users who find they no longer have access to the patch should contact their GP immediately to discuss alternative treatment.
The lack of availability is being caused by a combination of manufacturing shortages and other supply issues.
Some of these are long-running issues and are not related to the UK’s preparations to leave the European Union.
Chief pharmacist Ed Freestone said: ‘We have a great deal of sympathy for those who are being affected by the HRT shortage and we know this is far from ideal. Unfortunately, we are being caught up in what is a Europe-wide issue. The best thing to do is to go to your GP to discuss alternatives, as the appropriate alternative will vary from patient to patient.’
Medical director at Healthspan Dr Sarah Brewer said: ‘If you stop HRT patches suddenly you may experience rebound menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, mood swings, joint aches and pains etc.’
The British Menopause Society has published updated advice on HRT supply shortages, which can be found on its website.
The BMS advises consideration could be given to prescribing oestrogen and progestogen separately to make the closest match or find a suitable alternative.
Also different brands of HRT patches, which are the same medication, may vary in appearance or excipients. However, they would provide equivalent amounts of hormones when used in similar doses.
Pharmacist and director of The Diagnostic Centre in Guernsey Niall Kealy said: ‘The important thing to do is to not leave your medicines to the last day to collect. If the item is not available, speak to your pharmacist in good time so they can try and source some, if possible, or find a close alternative.
‘A significant issue we have at the moment is that with medicines like HRT, a number of them are unique combinations, so there isn’t an exact alternative in another brand. This means that early contact with your pharmacist and doctor is essential.’
One option might be to take a single hormonal preparation, known as tibolone, which has both oestrogen and progestogen actions. Another is to ‘tough it out’ and go without HRT and cope with any recurrent symptoms naturally, advisers say. There are some natural alternatives users can try to control their symptoms.
