Cheaper HRT prescriptions launched for women going through menopause

Women going through the menopause can access cheaper hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescriptions from Saturday.

But health officials earlier had to apologise after people were unable to get a certificate online to allow them to get hold of the prescriptions.

HRT, which is used to offset the symptoms of menopause, should have been obtainable from Saturday morning using a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which will last for 12 months and cost £19.30 for the year.

For hours women were unable to apply for the certificate online due to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website being down.

The website began working later on Saturday.

The NHSBSA apologised earlier in the day and said was is working to fix the problem, adding that women will be able to backdate their certificate if they buy it at a later date.

A spokesperson said: “We’re working to put a fix in place as soon as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience... If you need your HRT medicine before you buy the HRT PPC, ask your pharmacist for an FP57 receipt when you pay for your HRT medication. You will be able to get a refund from the pharmacy."

Later in the morning, an NHSBSA update provided an alternative web link for the certificate, as "technical issues" with the original web page persisted.

On Saturday afternoon, MP Caroline Nokes tweeted: “Can confirm HRT prescription pre-payment system now working – making a big difference to those on the eligible HRT products – thanks to @DHSCgovuk for resolving earlier issues with website.”

The government estimates the certificate will help 400,000 women save hundreds of pounds annually.

Women can get the certificate online or in some pharmacies, and it can be used as many times as needed in the 12-month period.

The certificate includes access to eligible HRT items including patches, tablets, pessaries and gels and creams applied to the skin.

Welsh Labour MP Carolyn Harris tweeted earlier on Saturday: “The day has come women going through #menopause have been waiting for – the annual pre-payment certificate for #HRT launches…

“But can anyone actually access the site?

“This has been so hard fought for by women and they can wait no longer.”

Another Twitter user wrote: "What a day to launch it, April Fools’ Day! Just told my menopause community to try again in the week! System overload, I guess."

One woman had written: "Need a prescription ASAP but can't access it. Tried yesterday, but it just gave information and a list of meds covered. It's not filling me with optimism."