The Government has released a list of items that will be in scope for a new HRT pre-payment certificate, set to be launched on 1 April.
Health secretary Steve Barclay said that the new certificate would help around 400,000 women save hundreds of pounds a year.
DHSC said that women will need to apply for the PPC through the NHS Business Services Authority or in person at a pharmacy registered to issue PPCs.
Once it has been granted, it will be available for use immediately on or after 1 April 2023.
Patients will show the digital or paper copy HRT PPC to the pharmacist when collecting HRT products, and complete the exemption declaration on the NHS prescription form.
The PPC can be used against a list of HRT prescription items, which can now be found online and below, and can be used against an unlimited number of HRT items.
It will be valid for twelve months and will cost the same as two single prescription charges – currently £18.70.
Prescribers should issue HRT prescriptions separately – and pharmacy contractors can refuse to dispense a mixed prescription.
Health secretary Steve Barclay said: ‘This new certificate will make HRT more accessible than ever before – helping around 400,000 women save hundreds of pounds a year.’
Minister for women Maria Caufield added: ‘Around three-quarters of women will experience menopause symptoms, with a quarter experiencing severe symptoms – which can seriously impact their quality of life.
‘Reducing the cost of HRT is a huge moment for improving women’s health in this country, and I am proud to be announcing this momentous step forward.
‘In our Women’s Health Strategy, we made menopause a top priority. By making HRT more accessible, we’re delivering on our commitment to women.’
Last month, the Government rejected a recommendation to introduce mandatory menopause training for GPs, saying ‘it is not necessary.’
Last year, the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee recommended that the menopause is be given ‘more priority’ in initial training for GPs and a ‘mandatory aspect’ of continuing GP professional development.
What items are in scope for the HRT PPC?
| Product name | Ingredient |
| Bedol | (Estradiol 2mg) |
| Bijuve/Bijuva | (Estradiol 1mg; micronised progesterone 100mg) |
| Blissel | (Estriol 50mcg) |
| Climanor | (Medroxyprogesterone 5mg) |
| Clinorette | (Estradiol 2mg; norethisterone 1mg) |
| Elleste Duet | (Estradiol 1mg and 2mg; norethisterone 1mg) |
| Elleste Duet Conti | (Estradiol 2mg; norethisterone 1mg) |
| Elleste Solo | (Estradiol 1mg and 2 mg) |
| Estraderm MX | (Estradiol 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg) |
| Estradot | (Estradiol 25mcg, 37.5mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg) |
| Estring (90-day preparation) | (Estradiol 7.5mcg/24 hours) |
| Estriol | (Estriol 0.01%) |
| Ethinylestradiol 10mcg | (Ethinylestradiol 10mcg) |
| Evorel | (Estradiol 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg) |
| Evorel Conti | (Estradiol 50mcg; norethisterone 170mcg) |
| Evorel Sequi | (Estradiol 50mcg; norethisterone 170mcg) |
| Femoston | Estradiol 1mg and 2mg; dydrogesterone 10mg) |
| Femoston Conti | (Estradiol 500mcg and 1mg; dydrogesterone 2.5mg and 5mg) |
| Femseven | (Estradiol 50mcg, 75mcg) |
| Femseven Conti | (Estradiol 50mcg; levonorgestrel 7mcg) |
| FemSeven Sequi | (Estradiol 50mcg; levonorgestrel 10mcg) |
| Gina | (Estradiol 10mcg) |
| Imvaggis | (Estriol 30mcg) |
| Indivina | (Estradiol 1mg and 2mg; medroxyprogesterone 2.5mg and 5mg) |
| Kliofem | (Estradiol 2mg; norethisterone 1mg) |
| Kliovance | (Estradiol 1mg; norethisterone 500mcg) |
| Lenzetto | (Estradiol 1.53mg) |
| Livial | (Tibolone 2.5mg) |
| Mirena | (Levonorgestrel 20mcg/24 hours) |
| Novofem | (Estradiol 1mg; norethisterone 1mg) |
| Oestrogel/dose | (Estradiol 0.06%) |
| Ovestin | (Estriol 1mg) |
| Premarin | (Conjugated oestrogen 300mcg, 625mcg and 1.25mg) |
| Premique low dose | (Conjugated oestrogen 300mcg; medroxyprogesterone 1.5mg) |
| Progynova | (Estradiol 1mg and 2mg) |
| Progynova TS | (Estradiol 50mcg and 100mcg) |
| Sandrena | (Estradiol 500mcg and 1mg) |
| Tridestra | (Estradiol 2mg; medroxyprogesterone 20mg) |
| Trisequens | (Estradiol 2mg/2mg/1mg; norethisterone 1mg) |
| Utrogestan | (Micronised progesterone 100mg and 200mg) |
| Vagifem | (Estradiol 10mcg) |
| Vagirux | (Estradiol 10mcg) |
| Zumenon | (Estradiol 1mg and 2mg) |
A version of this article was first published by Pulse’s sister title The Pharmacist
Incredible what can be achieved in the name of political expediency. Why should HRT be a special case for reduced charges when for example patients with IHD, hypertension, rheumatological diseases, depression, psychiatric illness on Rx to name but a tiny few aren’t afforded this luxury?
Wow that’s some powerful lobbying by pharma
First GPs must have dedicated training on menopause, then patients will get heavily subsidised medications. Wow someone took a big bribe somewhere down the line.
As usual no real scrutiny or consultation.
Any estimates as to the likely costs to the NHS of treating the increased number of breast cancer cases that will result?