Supply of menopause drug restricted over shortages

The supply of a drug to treat menopause symptoms is being restricted by the UK government due to shortages, and pharmacies are set to dispense just two months’ worth of Utrogestan 100mg capsules per prescription.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the manufacturer of the hormone replacement therapy was increasing supply but that shortages could last until late this year.

22 serious shortage protocols – a procedure to manage temporary and potential supply issues – have been made for HRT products since April last year.

Around one million women in the UK use HRT treatment for their menopausal symptoms, according to healthcare watchdog Nice, although the numbers are increasing, partly because of work by campaigners to extend access and greater awareness around the menopause.

Women’s minister Maria Caulfield said the “decisive action will mean more women will be able to access this medicine, and I want to reassure women that the vast majority of HRT

products are in good supply.

“The overall supply of HRT products has improved considerably over the last year and I am encouraged by how the industry is responding to the growth in demand and our continued calls for action to boost supply to meet it.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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