HRT without a prescription, from September for the first time ever, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have announced that postmenopausal women in the UK can access a low dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) product without a prescription, this is a huge step forward in making HRT available safely to women suffering sometimes debilitating symptoms while trying to lead a normal life.
Gina 10 microgram vaginal tablets containing estradiol are used to treat symptoms locally, symptoms, such as dryness, burning pain, itching, painful sex, these are usually prescribed for woman 50+ who have not experienced any menstruation in the previous 12 months.
Reclassification of Gina is from prescription only to pharmacy, allowing patients to access this treatment faster and with ease through a consultation in their local pharmacy.
Dr Laura Squire who is the Chief Healthcare Quality and access officer at the MHRA was quoted saying “We will continue to improve women’s access to medicines for menopausal care when it is safe to do so, and to place their views at the centre of our regulatory decisions”
Hundreds and thousands of female patients will welcome this change to the way they can access treatment, it is a huge milestone in the treatment of HRT, a consultation with a pharmacist will be necessary prior to purchasing the product, Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who will be able to advise patients on the right treatment on an individual basis.
Other vaginal tablets for the treatment of HRT symptoms will still be available on prescription, so if Gina is not the one most suited then then other options are still available through the GP route.
The MHRA have made their decision based on the findings following a safety review, for more information clink on the link below.
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