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[Perinowpost]

Article in today’s Telegraph HRT to be sold over the counter for the first time. I think it’s a step in the right direction. Of course that’s already the case in Spain, although you cannot get all types.

[Joaniepat]

I guess this proposal might be driven by the other proposal to have one annual payment for HRT? It will be cheaper for the government just to make some products available otc and still charge for the rest. However, it would be nice to have local oestrogen for VA easily available, without GPs telling  people more than two Vagifem a week will kill them!
JP x

[Perinowpost]

Ditto on that Joaniepat x

[Emma]

"Hormone replacement therapy is to be made available over the counter for the first time, watchdogs are poised to announce."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/02/01/hormone-replacement-therapy-sold-counter-first-time/

[sheila99]

Perhaps I'm a bit too cynical but I can't help thinking this is more about cost cutting than anything else. They were talking about pharmacists having access to your medical records which I wouldn't be comfortable with. Will testosterone be available too?
 I didn't agree with the one annual payment either, I don't think you should discriminate on the basis of which 'illness' you have.

[CLKD]

If the Surgery has an in house pharmacist he/she will look at patient records.  Ours rings me every 6 months to update my medication needs.  I've yet to meet him 

It would be better if a lady is seen in a Menopause clinic, given a prescription for her needs at that time which can then be OTC.  With the proviso that there is a followup appt. every 6 months.  Without guidance ? one could get into all kinds of muddles!

[Deeble]

Hi - just wondering if this could mean those of us over 60 who do not pay for prescriptions for vagifem at the moment would be directed to obtain from pharmacy direct and have to pay otc price?
The price to pay for the annual fee being introduced?

[CLKD]

Dr Louise Newson, a menopause specialist, told the BBC that vaginal oestrogen was the treatment being considered. She called it "a local hormonal treatment" given to women with vaginal dryness and irritation. It can also help with urinary symptoms.

According to Dr Newson, 80% of women going through the menopause experience those symptoms but only 8% access treatment.

"It's different to HRT and it doesn't reduce the health risks of the menopause, but it is very safe," she said.

[Gracie]

HRT treatments are so complex, I wonder how they will sort that one out!
I imagine Vagifem and Ovestin will be available over the counter but they are quite expensive to buy especially when used on a daily basis. We will have to wait and see how this is going to pan out.

[sheila99]

Hi - just wondering if this could mean those of us over 60 who do not pay for prescriptions for vagifem at the moment would be directed to obtain from pharmacy direct and have to pay otc price?
The price to pay for the annual fee being introduced?

I would think the idea is that everyone pays otc prices for them. It's win-win for the nhs, reduced cost of medicines and no need to teach gps about meno because the pharmacists will all be experts (sound of hollow laughter).
With more women being on hrt and for longer sadly it doesn't surprise me.

[VictoryV]

I’m assuming ‘OTC’ means behind the counter/ pre-sale intermediary decision required opposed to pick up and pay like a loaf of bread.
All regulated HRT is available to buy at a high price so making it available on the high street is likely to decrease the cost and be far easier.

Women who aren’t getting help from their GP and can’t afford to go private will have another choice.

If more women get access to local HRT to stop the misery of VA I support it irrespective of the politics.

[Uptick]

It's just one product, Gina 10, new version of Vagifem, same manufacturer. Check out the other thread https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,60677.0.html

[arc73]

Initially I thought 'great' and then see you have to be over 50 and not had a period for a year to be eligible. Which doesn't help all of us in perimenopause with VA

[Hurdity]

I heard about this on the radio and someone was interviewed, and I must admit I got the impression from the discussion that they were referring to systemic HRT. In this case the woman (a health or medical professional or researcher - can't remember) cautioned against the idea saying that firstly pharmacists would need to be trained, and also because of certain health conditions meaning it might be ill-advised to start HRT, they would need to have access to the woman's summary health record. A sensible decision I would say - if the pharmacist is in place of the doctor. The point was made that it shpuld not be up to women to self certify that they there is nothing medically untoward that would preclude their being able to take HRT.

It was only when I read this thread just now, that I learnt that it was just one vaginal oestrogen product! This barely counts as HRT! That being the case I'm not sure there are any health conditions that would prevent vaginal oestrogen being sold?

When I googled I found the consultation here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-proposal-to-make-gina-10-microgram-vaginal-tablets-estradiol-available-from-pharmacies

....and if you scroll down this link, you can find the Summary of Product Characteristics which is similar to that for Vagifem but has been rewritten presumably to take into account the new way it is to be made available ie has more information. From the list of ingredients it does look to be identical to Vagifem and not a new version (apart from the written info and the brand name - who on earth came up with that?!!!).

And as you say Deeble - those of us over 60 will continue to go to our doc to get Vagifem so that we can continue to get it free.

Good news though for those whose doctors refuse to prescribe - especially those who are on HRT and doc says you don't need vag oestrogen too! I wonder how the price will compare with the current cost of prescriptions?

Hurdity x

[sheila99]

I wouldn't rely on being able to it prescription from your gp long term. There are other things that are available otc that you can't get from your doc now.

What happened about stopping free prescriptions from 60-67? Is that likely to go ahead?