A serious deficiency protocol issued to limit the dispensing of three hormone replacement therapy products

Health Minister Sajid Javid issues a serious shortage protocol (SSP) that limits the supply of three HRT products to three months, ensuring that women across the UK have access to HRT products. Emergency measures have been taken for this. ..

In response to concerns about longer prescribing cycles that put pressure on the availability of some HRT products, the government issues SSPs on three high-demand products to give women access to the HRT they need. I decided to do it.

Women who have a prescription for more than 3 months but have access to only 3 months’ supply do not have to pay an additional prescription fee. This means that women do not incur additional costs. Imposing a three-month limit means that more women will have access to the medicines they want. Women who are worried about access to HRT or who do not have access to HRT should consult with the GP.

This applies lessons learned from the successful procurement seen in the Covid vaccination program, following the recent appointment of General Madeleine McTernin, Vaccine Task Force Director, to lead the new HRT Supply Task Force. Identify how to support the HRT supply chain and enable it to accommodate both short-term and long-term demand over time. This move saves time as pharmacists and prescribers, as well as patients, are working tirelessly to tackle the enthusiastic untreated portion.

Sajid Javid, Minister of Health, said:

I want to reassure women who have listened to their concerns. And don’t hesitate to take decisive action to ensure they have access to the required HRT.

We do not stick to the country’s mission to increase the supply of HRT. This next step will ensure that women across the UK have access to this important medicine and maintain this lifeline for the millions of people who need it. “

Demand for HRT has increased dramatically, with the number of prescription items increasing by 38% over the last seven years. This is due to increased awareness of menopause and GP’s confidence in prescribing.Most supplies of HRT products, including alternatives to those affected, are still available

The SSP, which expires on Friday, July 29, 2022, will allow local pharmacists to supply three designated HRT products according to the protocol rather than a written prescription, without seeking the permission of the prescriber. increase. This evens out the distribution of demand, such as Oestrogels, which has recently had problems due to increased demand. Pharmacists are expected to use expert judgment when deciding to apply SSP and should consult with the patient.

This is the first step in the right direction to address the supply problems women are facing when it comes to accessing HRT and ensuring a continuous and reliable supply. “

Madeline McTernan, Head of HRT Supply Task Force

Maria Colefield, Minister of Women’s Health, said:

HRT can be a lifeline for women suffering from severe menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders, night sweats, and hot flashes.

We will do our utmost to give women access to the HRT they need in the short and long term as part of their efforts to improve the quality of life for menopausal women. “

We are taking steps to increase access and reduce the cost of HRT. This means that women can pay a one-time fee (currently £ 18.70) for every HRT prescription for a year, which is equivalent to two single prescription fees.

This prepaid certificate means that women can access HRT on a monthly basis as needed, reducing supply pressure while keeping HRT costs low. This system will be introduced in April 2023.

This forms part of a broader government agenda to reduce gender health inequalities and increase support for menopausal and perimenopausal women. In a recent call for evidence to inform women’s health strategies in the future, menopause is the third selected topic that respondents chose to include in their plans, with 48% of respondents making it a priority. I have selected. This is in line with the government’s commitment to address health inequalities and help everyone lead a healthier and happier life.

Menopause will be an important priority in the UK’s first government-led women’s health strategy, as shown in our Women’s Health Vision document. The UK-wide Menopausal Task Force also considers education and training for menopausal women, workplace policies, and the role of peer groups in helping women overcome mental and physical difficulties. increase.

Background

• SSP applies throughout the UK.
• SSP applies to the following products:
• Oestro Gel Pump Pack 750mcg / Actuation Gel
• Obestin 1mg Cream
• Premique Low Dose 0.3mg / 1.5mg Sustained Release Tablets
• SSP does not allow pharmacists to dispense alternative products.