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The government has introduced a new scheme which will allow women to access a year’s supply of HRT for the cost of just two single prescription charges (£18.70).
The scheme will allow menopausal women to purchase a prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) which can be used against a list of HRT prescription items, such as patches, tablets and topical preparations.
With around 15% of women aged 45-64 in England currently prescribed HRT, the scheme could help up to 400,000 women save hundreds of pounds every year.
The scheme launches of 1 April
The decision comes following various recommendations from the HRT Taskforce, which urged the government to support manufacturers to boost supply to meet growing demand and continuing to issue Serious Shortages Protocols (SSPs) when needed to even out distribution.
This involved allowing alternative products to be dispensed when necessary, and reducing the need for patients to keep returning to their GP unnecessarily.
Now, under this new scheme, women will be able to apply for a PPC through the NHS Business Service Authority or in person at a pharmacy registered to sell PPCs.
Once granted, patients will simply show the digital or paper copy HRT PPC to the pharmacist and complete the exemption declaration on the NHS prescription form.
PPCs will be available from 1 April onwards, when the scheme launches, and will make HRT more affordable and accessible, improving the lives of millions of women who suffer from negative symptoms of the menopause.
HRT can have a huge impact on the quality of life of menopausal women
Women’s Health Ambassador, Dame Lesley Regan, said: “The menopause is an inevitable stage in a woman’s life course. As a gynaecologist, I’ve witnessed first-hand the symptoms that women experience, which can have debilitating impacts on their daily lives.
“Making HRT more affordable will have a hugely beneficial impact on the lives of so many women. This pre-payment certificate is a major step forward in prioritising the health and wellbeing of women.”
Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, added that while the announcement is a step in the right direction, the College hopes the government will continue to introduce policies which improve access to such vital medications.
She said: “We know that cost can be one of the barriers that women face in accessing treatment to manage their symptoms during menopause, and the introduction of HRT pre-payment certificates is a positive step to improve access to HRT.
“This announcement is an important first step, and we hope that more will be done to address the challenges and inequalities faced in accessing menopause care and treatment.”