Suppliers increase stocks of HRT drugs
SUPPLIERS have increased their stocks of hormone replacement therapy drugs in a bid to ensure it is “available for everyone who needs it”.
Demand for HRT, commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms, is greater than ever, with prescriptions leaping from 238,000 in January 2017 to almost 538,000 in December 2021.
Health 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.”
The Government has allowed pharmacists the flexibility to safely offer women substitutes for high-demand products – such as Oestrogel, Ovestin cream, Lenzetto transdermal spray and Sandrena gel, with alternatives, such as transdermal patches, which are in good supply.
The Department of Health and Social Care said giving women the option to substitute products is a safe, effective way to ensure they can continue to manage menopausal symptoms.
And it said although there are alternatives, the vast majority of HRT products remain available. Madelaine McTernan, head of the HRT supply taskforce, said: “I am very encouraged by the constructive engagement across the sector and enthusiasm with which suppliers and pharmacists are looking to work with us to meet this challenge. “Focusing both on measures that ensure we can use stocks most efficiently while also ensuring supply is increased is critical.”
Maria Caulfield, minister for women’s health, said: “Improving stability of supply is another key measure in increasing support for menopausal and premenopausal women to improve their quality of life.”
She added: “Women’s health is a priority for this Government. We’re working around the clock to ensure supply of HRT is stable now and in the long-term.”