Written question WQ85690
- Asked by
- James EvansConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 2 days
Question
What action is the Welsh Government taking to address the supply shortages of HRT drugs in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
As I explained in my response to WQ85054 and WQ85055, I am aware that some women may be experiencing difficulty in obtaining some forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In Wales, the number of prescriptions for HRT has increased by more than 40% in the last 5 years, regrettably manufacturers have not kept pace with increasing demand.
The UK Government has responsibility for maintaining the supply of medicines and I was pleased to see the last Secretary of State commit to act on improving the supply of HRT.
We are working closely with the UK Government, NHS Wales, GPs and community pharmacies to ensure patients continue to receive the medicines, including HRT, they need. Serious shortage protocols are now in place for a number of preparations to enable community pharmacists to limit each patient’s supply of some HRT products to a maximum of three months, or to substitute some HRT products for others.
Advice on switching between HRT products is available from the British Menopause Society and this is being communicated to clinicians.
Anyone who is having difficulty obtaining treatment should contact their doctor or pharmacist to discuss what alternatives might be available.