Campaigners have called on Health Secretary Sajid Javid to release the MHRA licensed stock as they warn against foreign imports. HRT is one of many products that have been hit by manufacturing and supply chain issues, while demand has increased by two-thirds over the past year.
According to reports, manufacturers are locked in talks with the new HRT czar, as part of efforts to find a solution to a growing crisis.
One of the proposals on the table involves importing unlicensed stock from countries that do not face shortages, it has been reported.
However, campaigners and MPs on Monday urged ministers to consider other options instead.
They said existing stock that has already been cleared by regulators remains stuck in warehouses, due to bureaucratic systems delaying its release.
Campaigners said it was ‘madness that we have stocks of HRT in this country that cannot be released because of box ticking’.
Carolyn Harris, co-chair of the UK Menopause Task Force, has written to the Health Secretary urging him to order changes to the existing system, so that pharmacies receive supplies more quickly.
Ms Harris said there is currently existing and MHRA-licensed stock in UK warehouses, which cannot be released due to bureaucracy.
She said: “It could be in pharmacies within days, but is currently on warehouse shelves as it is not on local forms.
“We are asking that HRT products be automatically available on the local formulary so doctors know they are available.
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“Allowing healthcare professionals across the country to prescribe drugs from a list of all licensed products would surely speed up distribution and ultimately allow everyone who needs HRT to receive it quickly and easily. “
Ms Harris also raised concerns about the prospect of importing unauthorized drugs from abroad, saying it could involve older forms of HRT, rather than treatments that are in short supply.
She said: “As we hold the stock on our own shores, surely we should look closer to home to find the solution.”
The MP is among those calling for pharmacists to have the power to offer patients an alternative if their product is not available.
She added: ‘We need to stop this ping-pong between GP and pharmacist.
Broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, who launched The Menopause Mandate campaign website last month, said: ‘It’s madness that we have stockpiles of HRT in this country that cannot be released because of the checkboxes.
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“Women are suffering and shortages need to be addressed urgently.”
Health officials said while GPs were ‘encouraged’ to apply recommendations from local formularies, they were not obliged to limit themselves to them.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care told the Telegraph: ‘Every woman who needs hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should be able to access it quickly and without hassle.
“We know that supply issues affect a limited number of HRT products and understand how distressing this can be for patients.
“However, most HRT products, including alternatives to those experiencing supply issues, are available.
“The NHS has issued guidelines for prescribers making it clear that they are not restricted by their local formularies and can find information on sourcing alternative stocks on the NHS England Specialist Pharmacy Service website.
“We continue to work collaboratively and transparently with industry and last week met with HRT manufacturers and suppliers to discuss the steps they are taking to ensure women can reliably access HRT products. now and long term, like making sure prescriptions are issued in shorter cycles for now.
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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-11 00:18:12
