// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Warning to women amid shortages of some HRT products
Women have been urged to seek advice from their GP or pharmacy if they find their usual HRT has been affected by supply shortages
Women have been warned against self-medicating to manage menopause symptoms amid a shortage of some Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medications.
Pharmacist Paul Irvine said he understood that women "are concerned" but urged them to speak to their GP or local chemist who could advise them about alternatives.
The warning follows official confirmation from the Department of Health that supplies of two major HRT patch brands have been disrupted.
The affected products include Estradot transdermal and FemSeven Conti, both of which are currently facing manufacturing or distribution delays.
Paul Irvine said it is important that women contact their GP or pharmacist for advice on alternatives
Irvine, a pharmacy manager in Belfast, said much of the time with HRT medications, women often become comfortable with a particular brand.
"When they are short and they like to try alternatives, they may suffer side effects or it might just not work as well," he said.
"So it is important for us as pharmacists that we are there to guide people and offer them alternative and the correct advice."
Dr Ursula Mason said that finding a suitable substitute "can cause real anxiety for patients".