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BHRT transdermal patch shortage: are there alternatives?

Posted by gargoy @gargoy, Mar 15 3:34pm

A week ago I read in the New York Times that there was a worldwide shortage of the Estradiol transdermal patches. I called my pharmacist, and confirmed that to be the case. He suggested I talk to my prescribing doctor to ask about alternative therapies. I know there are creams, gels, maybe vaginal inserts, etc. though I don't expect any of these to completely "replace" my patches, which are Vivelle Dot. I can't get an endocriologist or OBGYN appt. till 2 weeks after my patches run out. And I won't know if they'll run out at the pharmacy till maybe several days before the date I'm due for a refill. I think the pharmacist suggested I call around to other pharmacies to find out if they have the patches in stock. Is anyone else running into the problem of not being able to get their patches due to the shortage? I found a Canadian drugstore online that carries the patches, but I still need to get a prescription for them, which I can’t do till a week or so after my patches run out; that’s the soonest I could get an appt. with my endocrinologist.

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maryandnana | @maryandnans | Mar 16 5:59pm

I am taking generic activella it is a pill with estradiol and progesterone. But I see my doctor in April and I'm going to ask her if there's a cheaper patch than the one she originally prescribed. I get the coupons from GoodRx that's coupons as well as Walgreens saver I think it's called.

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nycmusic | @nycmusic | Mar 16 6:15pm
In reply to @gargoy "@nycmusic Saint Paul Minnesota. Right next door to Minneapolis. They call us the "Twin Cities." How..." + (show)
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@nycmusic Saint Paul Minnesota. Right next door to Minneapolis. They call us the "Twin Cities." How about you, where do you reside? Oh, NYC? I lived there for 30 years before I moved here in 2018.

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@gargoy I have been doing osteoporosis research, to see what route I want to take…right now the natural things like exercises, PT and a good supplement…HRT patches appeal, less toxic and more kidney friendly. Will see if a GYN will help me sort this out….most of the ENDOs here push other therapies, so i read these posts with interest.

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hansens | @hansens | Mar 18 11:42am

I purchase my patches through Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs company. It cost me $107.53 for the 3 boxes (Dotti twice weekly). And this is without insurance! If I purchase through retail with Medicare the price is significantly higher. Cost Plus Drugs is a very efficient on line pharmacy. You can peruse their drug catalog without setting up an account to see what the pricing would be.

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gargoy | @gargoy | Mar 18 12:39pm
In reply to @hansens "I purchase my patches through Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs company. It cost me $107.53 for..." + (show)
Profile picture for hansens @hansens

I purchase my patches through Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs company. It cost me $107.53 for the 3 boxes (Dotti twice weekly). And this is without insurance! If I purchase through retail with Medicare the price is significantly higher. Cost Plus Drugs is a very efficient on line pharmacy. You can peruse their drug catalog without setting up an account to see what the pricing would be.

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@hansens Is Dotti the same as Vivelle Dotti? That's what I'm using. Are the 3 boxes a one month supply?

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hansens | @hansens | Mar 18 1:17pm
In reply to @gargoy "@hansens Is Dotti the same as Vivelle Dotti? That's what I'm using. Are the 3 boxes..." + (show)
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@hansens Is Dotti the same as Vivelle Dotti? That's what I'm using. Are the 3 boxes a one month supply?

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@gargoy yes, it is the generic version. 8 patches per box. So a 3 month supply.

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jessbricht | @jessbricht | Mar 25 1:31am
In reply to @kfhoz "@gargoy I found some bits of possible help. I am on 2x weekly HRT transdermal patches..." + (show)
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@gargoy I found some bits of possible help.

I am on 2x weekly HRT transdermal patches in which one alternates taking 3 days then 4 days. This keeps you changing patches on the same days of the week, which is easier to remember. I asked my doctor if I could I take every patch 4 days apart. My doctor approved that.

I use a "token" in my pill organizer (e.g. cut the word "Estrodiol" from one of the packets) and move it 4 days ahead each time I apply a patch. This only gets me 1 extra day at the end of 2 patches. But I will take what I can 🙂

I also asked my doctor about cutting a higher dose patch in half and provided the below reference. My doctor was good with it but my pharmacy is also out of 2x my dose patches, but maybe your pharmacy has 2x of your dose patches. Read the articles
https://www.medicinesinformation.co.nz/bulletins/can-transdermal-patches-be-halved/

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@kfhoz I was given a higher dose patch and told to cut it in half and still change patch twice a week. I got a new prescription. I get HRT through OBGYN not endocrinologist. I messaged them about the shortage and asked what to do.

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