Recent changes to the marketing and licensing of estradiol tablets in the UK means that these can now be sold over the counter in pharmacies to women with the menopausal symptoms of vaginal dryness. Pharmacists will accordingly be offered training to prepare themselves for this new supply role. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) made this decision as part of a wider strategy to improve access to menopausal treatment options for women over the age of 50 who have not had a period in over a year. Estradiol tablets treat vaginal symptoms caused by a lack of oestrogen, such as dryness, soreness, itching, burning and uncomfortable sex. The tablets are inserted vaginally, rather than being taken orally. This reclassification of this medication is being heralded as a landmark event. About this change, Dr Laura Squire, the MHRA chief of healthcare and quality, commented: ‘In reaching this decision, we have seen positive support from a wide range of people, including many women aged 50 years and above who could benefit from this decision’ (BBC News, 2022a).
This change comes around as a 6-month extension to the temporary policy allowing women to take medical abortion pills at home was announced (BBC News, 2022b). The ability to take these pills at home, instead of in a supervised hospital setting, was introduced because of COVID-19. This new arrangement is the result of a public consultation, in which the English government sought the public's perspective on whether this arrangement should be made permanent (BBC News, 2018). The devolved Welsh and Scottish governments have already committed to making this a permanent situation in February of this year. The government says that ‘the wellbeing and safety of women requiring access to abortion services has been, and will continue to be, the first and foremost priority’ (gov.uk, 2022). Chief medical officer Sally Davies stated that this would increase choice for women and ensure they receive safe and dignified care.
The empowerment of women in the areas of pregnancy termination and treatment in menopause is a positive step forward for greater access, control and autonomy for women in medical and healthcare settings.
I'm pleased to see that this month the Journal of Prescribing Practice will be the official media sponsors of The Pharmacy Show at the NEC Birmingham. You can find out all the details about the event at https://www.thepharmacyshow.co.uk/. If you are interested in attending, it would be great to see you there.