Pharmacists are finding it “more challenging” to ensure “consistent availability” of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for patients as a result of increased demand for the medicine, the pharmacy sector’s representative body has said.
HRT is a medicine used to treat symptoms of menopause and it replaces the hormones that decline during the later years of a woman’s life.
There are different types of HRT and it comes in tablet form, skin patches, gels and vaginal creams or pessaries.
Shortages of medicines “continue to be an ongoing concern for patients, pharmacists and prescribers”, Jim Curran, director of public affairs and communication at the Irish Pharmacy Union, said.
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“Medicine shortages are, unfortunately, a feature of both the global and the Irish market. There can be many reasons for a medicine shortage including increased demand, issues with raw ingredients, issues around pricing, supply logistic issues, product recalls and manufacturing issues.
“We are aware that there has been significant growth in the dispensing of HRT medicines category over the last two years. This increase reflects a positive shift in awareness of women’s health, particularly regarding menopause treatment options.
“However, the rising demand has put pressure on the supply of HRT medications, making it more challenging for pharmacists across Ireland to ensure consistent availability for patients.”
He said that when prescribed products were unavailable, pharmacists supported patients in “adjusting therapies”.
“In some cases, pharmacists are sourcing alternatives through the exempt medicinal product (EMP) route, which involves obtaining licensed alternatives from other countries,” Mr Curran said.
An EMP is a medication that is not authorised or registered in Ireland, but which can be legally supplied under prescription to fulfil the needs of patients.
[ HRT scheme roll-out to proceed ‘as soon as possible’, department says ]
The Health Products Regulatory Authority, which monitors shortages, said four HRT products were in short supply, all of which were patches.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the supply of HRT patches was of particular concern.
“Time to time, we end up with shortages right across Europe. It’s a question of ongoing concern. The thing about it is it isn’t a sustained shortage – it’s an intermittent shortage, and that’s very unpredictable for people who are dependent on these patches,” she said.
“There is a certain amount Irish government can do in resolving that ... but it is a supply chain problem.”
In Budget 2025, it was announced HRT would be made available to all from January 1st this year.
The roll-out of the scheme was delayed amid discussions between the IPU and the Department about the way in which it would operate.
Last week, the Minister said they continued to engage on the issue and an update was expected shortly.
