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[riverrunsfree]

Hi All
Does anyone know where I can obtain private vagifem longterm. My new doctors currently prescribe systemic HRT but are making noises about vagifem being ok for the short term. I have challenged and pointed to NICE guidelines (which I'm pretty sure irritated them) but I know from what I have been through with them that they are likely to stop prescribing vagifem.

So a long way of saying what is the most cost effective way of getting vagifem withut having to dish out a thousand pounds on a menopause specialist just to get local oestrogen. Any answers? I'm pretty fed up with all the beaurocracy bullshit.

Any view answers of getting vagifem greatly appreciated. I had to go through hoops to stay on three a week(which isnt prooving enough).
I cant have sex. I'm only 51. This is insane. Im sad and angry. I got two months worth from superdrug that cost me £44 xxxxx Riverrunsfree

[EleanorB]

Hello,

I have found gps tend to follow a consultant's guidelines. I see a gynae privately in London. An initial consultation costs around £200, so def not in the thousands. I would suggest seeing a private consultant, getting a letter sent to gp with prescribing dose which states it should be used long term and the gp should fall into line. It may help to get a private consultant who also works on the nhs, so the nhs surgery is inclined to potentially trust them more. I realise it's infuriating, but I think you would only have to see them once, worth the money if u can afford it rather than fighting often unwinnable battles with stuck in their ways gps. That said my private gynae only prescribed 3 times a week and meno brain meant I forgot to ask about this last time I saw her. It may be because I have endometriosis.

[CLKD]

One shouldn't have to battle to get what is after essential. Have a chat with the Practice Nurse? and if there is the potential for an argument about atrophy treatment, speak to the Practice Manager.  One should not have to pay for what is after all, recommended by NICE.  Maybe take a copy of Maryjane's book to the Practice too!

Also, send an e-mail to the Surgery asking for evidence that vagifem is for short-term use?  Have a word too with your local Pharmacist, they have private rooms now.  What does it say on the leaflet in the box 

[CLKD]

'practice prescribing guidelines' are what exactly 

Are we not entitled to essential medications? 

[Tinkerbell]

When I told a Gp that I couldn't even walk round the supermarket because of the Pain of VA he quickly wrote a prescription for daily use, do tell them how seriously it impacts on your life.

[suzysunday]

How awful for you. There is no point of short term use as symptoms will return, as you know.  I assume that if there are a few GP s in the practice, they are all unhelpful. I can only agree with stellajane, to speak from the heart as to how their reluctance is taking away your quality of life.  Sorry can't be more helpful but I do feel for you.

[Maryjane]

Problem is it doesn't matter even if a consultant or Professor says you need vagifem, ultimately the GP can refuse. Basically the NICE guidlines when push comes to shove are as useful as a chocolate t-pot.

However having spoken to someone very high in meno land, we have to start making a stand.

But if you don't have the energy then yes ladies on my VA group buy it via online chemists, average about a £1.00 per one. A lot of money.

Makes me very cross, it's not like we enjoy having VA & shoving up & on to her quality of life. 🤬🤬🤬

[Hurdity]

I quite agree Stellajane. Each area seems to be slightly different although they each have their formulary guidance to follow. However any doc who slavishly follows them does need taking to task (making a stand as Maryjane said). eg my gynae specialist (NHS) GP will always prescribe you what you want ( including testosterone for me), and including estriol cream as well as Vagifem - provided she justifies it.  She just writes in my notes why she is prescribing what she is. They don't need to hide behind "computer says no". Apart from Vagifem I don't think any of what I get is in the formulary - which is usually the cheapest tablets and now presumably just only the combi patch available.

Also I think Louise Newson wrote an article about this very thing - not needing to follow prescribing guidelines - not sure where I read it though....

Hurdity x

Edit - here is the link to the article I was thinking of:
https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/understanding-your-gp-four-reasons-why-some-women-might-not-be-able-to-obtain-certain-types-of-hrt

[Katejo]

I quite agree Stellajane. Each area seems to be slightly different although they each have their formulary guidance to follow. However any doc who slavishly follows them does need taking to task (making a stand as Maryjane said). eg my gynae specialist (NHS) GP will always prescribe you what you want ( including testosterone for me), and including estriol cream as well as Vagifem - provided she justifies it.  She just writes in my notes why she is prescribing what she is. They don't need to hide behind "computer says no". Apart from Vagifem I don't think any of what I get is in the formulary - which is usually the cheapest tablets and now presumably just only the combi patch available.

Also I think Louise Newson wrote an article about this very thing - not needing to follow prescribing guidelines - not sure where I read it though....

Hurdity x

Edit - here is the link to the article I was thinking of:
https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/understanding-your-gp-four-reasons-why-some-women-might-not-be-able-to-obtain-certain-types-of-hrt

I saw this article posted on the VA FB page this week.

[riverrunsfree]

I want to thank all you ladies so much and Abba fan who I hadnt seen had personally messaged me due to be being technologically challenged!!.

Thankyou so much for all your input.

Yes I did speak from the heart being very direct about no sex and pain every day. I have to say what depressed me is when I said about the NICE guidelines and even getting maybe Dr Currie or another menopause specialist to write to the Gp to give them confidence  my GP said she didnt go by that? Didnt go by NICE guidelines and didnt go by someone like Dr Currie? There was no reasoning to this and I could see my GP getting flustered. So I will go to the head of practice to challenge (you can imagine..this is a NEW doctors surgery I have joined after moving..I really loathe getting into this level of challenge)

However when I informed by my GP that a letter from a specialist in Hrt and NICE guidelines is something that they dont go by then I am not dealing with a rational response.I will have to make private arrangments should my vagifem get withdrawn after seeing the head partner at the surgery.

Im pretty warm and friendly but I am assertive. If I am having this issue it is reasonable to assume the ladies in my local area will not be getting the treatment they need for their vaginas. This makes me sad.

Again Thankyou

Riverrunsfreexx (p.s. I also recommended MaryJanes book to my GP and asked her to make a note of it. )

[Beaker]

Just to add that my heart sinks to my boots when I read of people's experiences trying to get Vagifem prescribed. I'm afraid the older female demographic isn't prioritised in any way and vaginal dryness is not something that is really discussed or seen as a major problem. When I used to work in general practice, I used to wince at the number of requests for Viagra prescriptions from older male patients and wondered about those with older female partners and how those women managed. Funnily enough there never seemed to be a problem prescribing Viagra. I can't help thinking there might be an element of subconscious bias, or sexism/ageism around HRT prescribing.

[Beaker]

 

[CLKD]

Thank someone's god for our senses of humour 

We shouldn't have to push and I do wish that GPs would remember why they aren't Consultants!