Estradiol test is recommended in cases like women with menstrual abnormalities, abnormal vaginal bleeding, early or delayed puberty, functioning of ovaries and analysis of fertility treatment. In boys, the Estradiol level check is recommended if any of these symptoms appear: delayed puberty, development of breasts or lack of development of penis.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has suggested Estradiol patch as an alternative for patients who use 1 pump of Oestrogel daily.
DHSC has updated Annex A of SSP022 and SSP023 for Oestrogel Pump-Pack 0.06 per cent gel to include a dose conversion to a specific alternative Estradiol patch.
Previously, only dose conversions for patients using 2 to 4 pumps daily were included in Annex A of SSP022 and SSP023.
Separately, the supporting guidance for three SSPs which allow quantity restriction have been updated to reflect the requirement to endorse the reduced quantity
supplied in accordance with these SSPs.
SSP019 - Oestrogel pump-pack 0.06% gel
SSP020 - Ovestin 1mg cream
SSP021 - Premique low dose 0.3mg/1.5mg modified release tablets
"When endorsing an SSP for a reduced quantity, contractors must ensure that the correct SSP number is endorsed along with the product name and the reduced
quantity supplied in accordance with the SSP," said PSNC.
Women in the UK will be able to purchase Gina 10 mg vaginal tablets without prescription from September from their local pharmacies, announced the Medicines
and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) product, Gina 10 microgram vaginal tablets (containing estradiol) are used for the treatment of vaginal symptoms such as
dryness, soreness, itching, burning and uncomfortable sex caused by oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women aged 50 years and above who have not had a period
for at least one year.
The decision to reclassify these vaginal tablets follows a safety review by the MHRA, independent advice from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), and a public
consultation.
The UK regulator sought views from patients, pharmacists, prescribers and a wide range of stakeholders including the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists,
the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, the British Pharmacopoeia Commission and the British Menopause Society.
Proprietary Association of Great Britain, PAGB - which represents manufacturers of branded over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, self-care medical devices
and food supplements - on Tuesday (12 December) celebrated 40 years of reclassification of medicines.
Expanding self-care for common ailments and minor injuries will not only help ease pressure on primary care services, but also provides significant potential
savings for the NHS, the consumer healthcare association highlighted during the event.
Nurofen (ibuprofen) and Imodium (loperamide) were the first medicines to go through Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)'s switch process
in 1983 to make them available over the counter - OTC.
Other reclassified medicines which were once available on prescription only include Voltarol (diclofenac dimethylammonium), Canesten (clotrimazole), Nexium
(esomeprazole), Nicorette, Nicotinell and Niquitin (nicotine replacement therapies), Regaine (minoxidil), Viagra Connect (sildenafil), Cialis Together
(tadalafil) for erectile dysfunction and Gina (estradiol hemihydrate) for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness.