Medical experts call for action in the face of a shortage of HRT patches



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A shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches used to treat the symptoms of menopause is causing hardship for thousands of women in the UK, medical experts said.

About one million women in the country use HRT to relieve the symptoms of menopause.

In a joint statement, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), the British Menopause Society (BMS) and the School of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR) received several requests from women unable to receive HRT products because of of persistent manufacturing and supply problems.

Doctors also report that HRT is becoming difficult to prescribe due to shortages.

"We are very concerned that thousands of women are struggling to get their HRT prescriptions and even alternative treatment orders," said RCOG President Lesley Regan.

"HRT is essential for many women to continue to lead a high quality life."

Some women have reported on social media that they buy wholesale products bought over the counter in Spain, while others have them sent from as far away as South America.

The corrective stocks Evorel HRT, manufactured by the Belgian company Janssen and having a market share of 40% in the United Kingdom, were particularly affected by the shortages.

Janssen UK said: "We really understand how difficult HRT in the UK is for patients and their healthcare professionals.

"We have provided the BMS with an updated supply list based on current demand."

The British Menopause Society takes stock of supply shortages in HRT https://t.co/7V3YdJPtfs

– BMS (@BrMenopauseSoc) August 23, 2019

The crisis would have started at the end of 2018 when the supply problems that appeared in China forced some manufacturers to stop the production of patches.

This has led to increased demand for other brands which, in turn, have become rare.

Shortages are expected to continue until next year.

Haitham Hamoda, Gynecology Consultant and BMS Chair, said help and advice should be offered to women who are having trouble sourcing drugs for the treatment of HRT.

"The British Menopause Society has advised prescribers to find equivalent types by examining the estrogen and progestin components and linking them as closely as possible to another brand," he said.

"Beyond that, we need to understand the reasons behind this and what steps could be taken to solve this problem and prevent it from happening again in the future."

Dr. Asha Kasliwal, president of the FSRH, said that she treated women every week affected by the shortage.

"These women are not able to receive the treatment that best suits their needs, leaving some women with debilitating symptoms that have a direct impact on their daily lives," she said.

"It is important that the Ministry of Health and Social Services continue to work with drug providers for the treatment of HRT.

"We need to ensure that women are no longer disadvantaged because of the shortage and that they have access to HRT treatment when they need it."

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