I was on the Dotti, .05, twice weekly patch. Those cannot be found now, at least not where I am. So, doc wrote a new script put for weekly patch. His nurse left the twice weekly prescription, “open,” so they could fill based on whatever is available. A great concept, but apparently, Walgreen’s system wouldn’t allow for that.
My weekly patches then became unavailable. When I called the pharmacy, they said, “We have plenty of the twice-a-week patches.” I told them the doc had left that one open, but she showed it closed. So, his idea of giving them flexibility based on the supply did not work in application. So, he had to reinstate the twice weekly script. I’m guessing the once a week one has now been closed!
I felt extremely fortunate to get a three-month supply of the Mylan patches on my last refill.
I had a hard time getting the twice weekly patch from CVS and the other pharmacies including Costco also were out. I switched to Amazon which worked for a few refills and they also weren’t able to fill it. CVS also had a hard time refilling the progesterone. Unfortunately I had to go off both a few months ago as I started having bleeding and a thickening of the uterine wall. I had the same issue previously when I went off the hormones a few years ago. I restarted them 8 months ago at age 65. I sleep better and have less hot flashes on them but it’s not worth the complications for me. I actually have 1 1/2 boxes of patches left.
When I first started the patches in my early 50’s I used a combination patch. My gynecologist switched me when I also had bleeding.
I tried a new gynecologist last week as my previous one doesn’t take Medicare. The new one was very young and wasn’t a fan of women staying on hormone replacement for years. I was pretty surprised at her opinion. My previous gynecologist is in her 50’s and is a proponent of HRT.
My young, female PCP in Florida was not a fan either. After five years on it, she wouldn’t write the prescription anymore. Insisted I see a gyno. She was about my age and didn’t bat an eye.
My Arkansas gyno (male) had retired when we moved back. My new gyno is young and male. He has no issues with it.
I kind of had an thought of, “Just you wait and see, missy!” toward my Florida PCP - lol
This seems like a good time to post hormone replacement guidelines. Read these, ask questions of your physician, and do what is right for you. IMO it is difficult to know what is one’s best course of action without having some understanding of the data. Some physicians are not up-to-date on the data and labeling changes.
From The Menopause Society:
From Jama, a summary of labeling updates for hormone therapy treatments, with footnotes of source studies:
There are matrix patches and reservoir patches. You can’t cut reservoir patches. I have been cutting a matrix patch in half for about a decade. No problem. I’ve had to get creative. My dosage is .05 2x week. So I’ve cut .1 in half. I’ve cut .075 in such a way that I get one.05 and a .025 leftover. Then the next application I do the same thing but use the two .025 portions. Never had a problem. I DO have a problem is I get switched from the one brand that works for me
I also take estrogen and progesterone, which definitely have their benefits, but testosterone isn’t something to disregard, though generally only specialty clinics and knowledgeable drs will investigate giving that to women.
The dosages are much lower than those given to men. Testosterone improves mood and feeling of well being, decreased fatigue, increased red cell production, reduces LDL, increases muscle mass and strengthens bones, improves blood sugar, and lowers risk of heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer. All very good things for women.
I couldn’t get my Lyllana for the first time ever. Called around - Publix pharmacy had a generic that they switched it to - also a bi-weekly (I can’t remember what it was called but the list that was provided of above of alternatives is very helpful - I will look when I pick it up). I have 2 Lyllana’s left and I will message my gyn with the generic info to make sure she is good with it.
I felt like I had hit the lottery on my last refill. Got 3 boxes of my 2x week, .05 patch (a 12-week) supply). Now I’m up for a refill again, and my usual Walgreen’s is out. Kind pharmacist called around and found another Walgreen’s that had two boxes. Called me and asked me if I could pick them up there - about a 20-minute drive. I told her I could. She said it would taken them 15 minutes to fill it. I asked if I couldn’t wait until after their 1:30-2:00 pm lunch break to pick them up. She said I should go right then and get there before their lunch break.
Good grief - it feels like the Hunger Games or something.
Edit: this was a different grand. I take whatever I can get
I’m glad you could find them! I switched to .05 because I could not get .0375 anywhere. I’ve been able to fill it each month at Walgreens (not my usual pharmacy), but I usually have to wait and they will not allow more than one box at a time since so many people are impacted. I was told this will probably be a problem for the next year!
I was JUST thinking about this thread as I opened one of my patch boxes. I also ran across an unopened box of Climara pro in my cabinet from several years ago ago (now past expiration date). Back then I was having a reaction to the adhesive so my Dr. switched me to bioidentical meds, but now I am back on the patch (and oral progesterone).
I had switched my pharmacy for this from Amazon to CVS when Amazon was out but CVS had it. I saw on my CVS app that the patch will be refilled next week. I know it was less on Amazon but I don’t want to mess with it. I also realized i’ll be out of town when the Rx is refilled, but I am sure they will hold them for me for a few days (if they even have them in).
This might not belong here, but wasn’t sure where to post! For those on Medicare with Plan D, check and see if your patch might be changed to a tier 1 for 2027. A quick google search makes me believe it will not be a tier 1, but my vaginal estradiol when from tier 4 to tier 1, so will be free on my Wellcare plan!
I’ve been cutting generic Climara patches in half for years. I found they would not remain “stuck” for a week, so I would do one, then the other to keep it freshly adhering.
thought of, “Just you wait and see, missy!” toward my Florida PCP - lol