Sourcing injectable estrogen
August 23, 2018 5:38 PM Subscribe
The company that made the estradiol valerate 40mg/ml for intramuscular injection seems to have stopped production earlier this year. The efforts of my doctor's office and myself to find a different source have turned up nil. Anybody else taking it have luck securing a source, or know someone who has?
Additional information: I'm in the U.S. (MN), been taking IM estradiol valerate for transition reasons for a couple years. Switched to it from estradiol pills after less than stellar results. Tried to switch to patches after it became clear that finding more injectable was going to be difficult, and it was pretty disastrous, only made it about six weeks before switching back (increased anxiety, low mood, suicidal ideation).
The compounding pharmacy that my hormone doc usually uses initially said they could provide it, but changed their tune shortly thereafter. Sources I've found are conflicted on if this is a temporary shortage or all manufacture has ceased, but my pharmacy said it was a discontinuation, not a shortage. I'm not in imminent danger of running out, but I'd like to find a new source before burning through all of my emergency stockpile. Estradiol cypionate would probably be fine too, but I haven't had luck finding that either.
Additional information: I'm in the U.S. (MN), been taking IM estradiol valerate for transition reasons for a couple years. Switched to it from estradiol pills after less than stellar results. Tried to switch to patches after it became clear that finding more injectable was going to be difficult, and it was pretty disastrous, only made it about six weeks before switching back (increased anxiety, low mood, suicidal ideation).
The compounding pharmacy that my hormone doc usually uses initially said they could provide it, but changed their tune shortly thereafter. Sources I've found are conflicted on if this is a temporary shortage or all manufacture has ceased, but my pharmacy said it was a discontinuation, not a shortage. I'm not in imminent danger of running out, but I'd like to find a new source before burning through all of my emergency stockpile. Estradiol cypionate would probably be fine too, but I haven't had luck finding that either.
Best answer: If you switch to name brand due to a shortage, and have insurance, your insurer may have an exception form so you continue paying generic prices. Example.
posted by Iris Gambol at 6:46 PM on August 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Iris Gambol at 6:46 PM on August 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Best answer: The ASHP drug shortage page indicates that the 40mg/mL is available in limited supply (though these reports are not always accurate). Try calling around to multiple pharmacies.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:10 AM on August 24, 2018
posted by Rock Steady at 5:10 AM on August 24, 2018
Best answer: It seems this has been something of a chronic issue, enough that Fenway & Callen-Lorde clinics published an 11-page pdf (”Resolving the Current Injectable Estrogen Shortage - A Public Health Imperative“) about it (with what they know of the backstory to it, along with some calls to action) in 2016.
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:42 AM on August 24, 2018
posted by needs more cowbell at 5:42 AM on August 24, 2018
Response by poster: Update:
While I was working with my doctor's office and insurance company to get the brand name Delestrogen covered, my pharmacy finally got some of the generic in stock! Hopefully this means the shortage is starting to abate.
posted by ethiowin at 2:08 PM on September 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
While I was working with my doctor's office and insurance company to get the brand name Delestrogen covered, my pharmacy finally got some of the generic in stock! Hopefully this means the shortage is starting to abate.
posted by ethiowin at 2:08 PM on September 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by floomp at 6:10 PM on August 23, 2018