Medicines Safety
Medicine Safety
National supply problems with Utrogestan HRT
You may be aware from coverage in the national press that Utrogestan (the progesterone component of your HRT regime) is currently out-of-stock nationwide and it is unclear when supplies will become available.
Progesterone is vitally important for women with a uterus who are using oestrogen replacement, as it protects against pre-cancerous and cancerous changes in the lining of the womb caused by unopposed oestrogen. If you are taking oestrogen replacement and have a womb you must not stop taking your progesterone cover.
The recommended switch for women unable to obtain Utrogestan is to a different progesterone called Medroxyprogesterone acetate. This will afford the same protection for your womb and its side effect profile should be broadly similar (although these things are very individual!).
If you usually take your Utrogestan sequentially (200mg orally for 2 weeks out of every 4 weeks ) you will do the same with Medroxyprogesterone 10mg orally for 2 weeks out of every 4 weeks).
If you take your Utrogestan continuously (100mg orally every day) you will do similar with Medroxyprogesterone 5mg orally every day.
If you take your Utrogestan directly into your vagina as a pessary, there is unfortunately no straight-forward switch – the only option we have at present are oral alternatives described above.
If you are on a different dose/regime to those described above (outside licence) please speak to your menopause specialist about a suitable alternative preparation.
We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused – unfortunately drug supply issues are out of our hands!
Dr Claire Shorter
For medicines covered by the HRT Pre Payment Certificate (HRT PPC) visit the GOV UK website.
Topical Testosterone
When using Testosterone gels and creams on your skin, you must take care that the Testosterone product is not accidentally transferred onto the skin of someone else.
If the testosterone in the product is accidentally transferred to someone else through physical contact, it can lead to increased blood testosterone levels in the other person.
The following precautions can reduce the risk of accidentally transferring testosterone from the patient’s skin to another person:
- After applying the product, wash your hands with soap and water
- Once the product has dried, cover the application site with clean clothing (such as a t-shirt)
- Before physical contact with another person, wash the application site with soap and water after the recommended time period following application has passed