Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to improve supplies of HRT medications in pharmacies.

The majority of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products, including alternatives to those experiencing supply issues, are available. We have been working with suppliers and stakeholders such as the National Health Service and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency maintain overall supply to pharmacies, including expediting resupply dates of disrupted products. We continue to hold discussions with suppliers, wholesalers and community pharmacists to discuss any challenges and ensure that supply meets demand.

Access to in-demand products has improved since Serious Shortage Protocols on HRT products were issued to limit dispensing to three months’ supply to maintain distribution and allow alternative products to be dispensed, as necessary. We welcome plans by suppliers to build additional capacity, such as a new production facility for Oestrogel and to introduce new products to the United Kingdom.