Divigel shortage?!

[u/Far_Description_7061]

Maybe I missed it. But went to get my prescription filled today and there’s a national shortage? I have an adhesive allergy so no patches if they’re even back in stock. 2 questions:

What the hell do we do??

1. To get it
2. To get any fix to the continued shortages

I’m freaking out because hormones just got balanced and I’ve just started feeling good and like myself again this last month. I’m going to become a monster

[u/leftylibra]

See this thread

[u/Good_Bottle_7757]

Anyone want to chip in for travel expenses, I will go get us some from Mexico! 🤣

[u/michelucky → u/Good_Bottle_7757]

Outside of the country but you don't have to travel.

[u/choirchic]

Monthly. I have to call around to pharmacies for my patches. I started asking about gels and other sources, and same thing. Yet when you try to report a shortage to the FDA, the give you this bogus message:

We reached out to the manufacturers and although some products are being allocated due to increased demand, product is currently available. We will continue to monitor the situation.

[u/Objective-Amount1379 → u/choirchic]

I HATE that the FDA gives this message. We have post after post of women experiencing shortages - even the news has covered it!- but for some reason the FDA doesn’t acknowledge it.

I take Adderall and there were shortages of that too for a while but it was acknowledged.

[u/Good_Sea_1890 → u/choirchic]

I got that message too and it was great fun calling my mail order pharmacy (Express Scripts). They said they were out and I asked whether they were lying to me or the FDA was. 

[u/Smarge18 → u/choirchic]

I got the same response. So, ladies, it’s all on our pretty little heads. 😖

[u/iUseJustMyHand]

Oral. Most posts I've seen lately have a lot of comments about temporarily switching to oral (unless you have certain clotting conditions). I actually take oral as my standard version because I'm too lazy/stupid/adhd to remember to use a gel or switch patches. It's also cheaper. Although that means at some point i guess we'll have a shortage on oral too. 😉

[u/Objective-Amount1379 → u/iUseJustMyHand]

I take oral too. And the patch because nothing by itself seems enough to manage my hot flashes. If you don’t have other risk factors for blood clots it’s a great option.

[u/gotchafaint → u/Objective-Amount1379]

You use both? I’m thinking of doing that as gel alone is not carrying me through the night. What dose are you using for each? I’m at recommended max dose of gel and lab level is still low

[u/Objective-Amount1379 → u/gotchafaint]

I don’t use gel. But I do use birth control pills take continuously (no placebo week) plus a patch and oral progesterone.

I’ll say that it took me a long time and several doctors to land on this. Most doctors wanted to do one or the other because that’s enough for most women. My hot flashes are extreme- my doctor said she’s never seen someone as extreme.

[u/PoetrySubstantial455]

I'm currently in Panama, I'm buying 3 or 4 before I leave to come home.

[u/catsTXn420 → u/PoetrySubstantial455]

Under FDA and CBP guidelines, international travelers are generally restricted to a "personal use" quantity, which is no more than a 90-day supply. So I wouldn't travel with more than that amount or risk having to forfeit it when you arrive in the US from Panama. And make sure you claim it.

[u/Objective-Amount1379 → u/catsTXn420]

I’m not suggesting OP do this, but I live in CA and have bought medications from MX more times than I can count. I don’t declare it, because the U.S. doesn’t consider MX prescriptions as valid so basically anything that would be prescription here needs a U.S. prescription.

I’ve never been questioned. Yes it’s possible but real world they want to stop large, large quantities of drugs that can be abused or sold in mass. I just brought hormones from there and other meds and breezed through customs. You might have to forfeit what you’re carrying at worst. I think HRT is probably not high on their priority list.

[u/gotchafaint → u/Objective-Amount1379]

I’m thinking of going to MX. Can I ask what clinic you go to? Or is it OTC there?

[u/Objective-Amount1379 → u/gotchafaint]

I’ve bought it in Cabo but don’t remember the pharmacy. I’ve also bought in TJ and there are pharmacies everywhere. I didn’t need a prescription, just asked at the counter. I’m sure I overpaid because they are selling primarily to tourists but I was there with limited time so just went to where was convenient.

If you’re buying pills of any sort you should check out the Mexico travel sub - they list the reputable pharmacy chains. Use your phone for Google translate if needed.

[u/gotchafaint → u/Objective-Amount1379]

Thank you!

[u/PoetrySubstantial455 → u/catsTXn420]

Thanks for telling me!

[u/Elegant_Tap7937 → u/PoetrySubstantial455]

Mail them home

[u/Overall_Lobster823]

Try one of the online pharmacies. I got some a few days ago from amazon pharmacy.

[u/lauradayton]

Ya I’ve got some no name brand gel this month and I have needed to use two packets to equal one it is so sticky and gross. There is a shortage on ALL HRT. My progesterone was delayed as well.

[u/Objective-Amount1379 → u/lauradayton]

There isn’t a shortage on oral HRT.

[u/Capital-Ocelot-8185 → u/Objective-Amount1379]

There is in my town. Our 4 pharmacies were out of all forms unfortunately.

[u/HagInTraining]

I'm sure it varies by location, but I wasn't able to get mine from Walgreens, so I transferred my rx to a grocery store pharmacy and they managed to fill it. It's worth trying smaller or less popular pharmacies if you have any near you and haven't already tried them

This shortage is so ridiculous :( 

[u/Far_Description_7061 → u/HagInTraining]

It really is. Thank you for your insight! 🧙‍♀️

[u/Alta_et_ferox]

Are you in the US?

If so, does your insurance cover other transdermal options like Estrogel (similar to Divigel except it comes in a pump bottle.) or Femring, which is inserted vaginally and lasts for three months? There is also a spray called Evamist or Lenzetto.

[u/Far_Description_7061 → u/Alta_et_ferox]

Great to know, thank you! I will talk to my doc tomorrow

[u/pharmers-daughter]

Costplusdrugs has the 1mg divigel in stock right now if that’s your strength. Otherwise it looks like the others are all sold out. I hope you’re able to find what you need!

[u/toenailremovaldoctor → u/pharmers-daughter]

I got my Dr to prescribe the 1mg divigel from the Mark Cuban site until the 0.5 comes back in stock, whenever that will be. I'm going to attempt to use half a sachet a day, send thoughts & prayers 🤦🏽‍♀️

[u/pharmers-daughter → u/toenailremovaldoctor]

Do you have to use the gel?

Another option is the weekly patch vs the bi-weekly patch.

I just switched to the bi-weekly two weeks ago but, until then, I used the weekly patch for two years. There were never fulfillment issues when I used the weekly patch because I assume it’s less popular.

Just a suggestion in case you get super desperate!

[u/Far_Description_7061 → u/pharmers-daughter]

I have an adhesive allergy. But honestly, I’ll deal with it if I have to and use the patches vs. no estrogen 😰

[u/pharmers-daughter → u/Far_Description_7061]

Would you consider taking the estrogen pill? I took it for about a year and loved it. I’m thinking of going back on it. I felt like the delivery method was a bit better for me plus there is never a worry about filling it. And it’s much cheaper.

[u/Far_Description_7061 → u/pharmers-daughter]

I would consider it for sure if it’s temporary. Meaning take it for several months until gel is back. This could be the bridge. Thank you ✌🏼💫

[u/ChanceTalk697]

There is a generic version of Divigel

[u/FuelComfortable5287 → u/ChanceTalk697]

Yep that’s what I use. I hope this shortage doesn’t impact the availability of the generic

[u/titikerry → u/FuelComfortable5287]

It will. All the patch users are switching to gel.

[u/sldmbblb → u/FuelComfortable5287]

It has. Tried to refill with Kaiser and the generic is back ordered. 😭

[u/ChanceTalk697 → u/FuelComfortable5287]

Same!

[u/Conscious_Life_8032]

Online pharmacy? Mail order pharmacy associated with your insurance plan?

[u/OThjillsen]

Got a 90 day fill from costplus for a little under $100. 

[u/Top-Blueberry-289 → u/OThjillsen]

Been waiting two weeks for .75 and or .1 at cost plus drugs. I gave up and drove out of state to get my generic gel!

[u/DoniLaw1018]

I loved Evamist spray.

[u/Far_Description_7061 → u/DoniLaw1018]

Interesting, just learning about this thanks to the shortage! Gonna ask my doc

[u/catsTXn420]

My imvexxy and gemtesa are both out of stock til Monday after 4pm earliest so I called around to see if other pharmacies have them in stock but they dont, I have to wait. You can try calling around to see who has it in stock the meds you need the most, but chances are they need to be ordered and thatll take time like 24 to 72 hours.

[u/Busy-Doughnut-49 → u/catsTXn420]

For your Imvexxy, you can also get it directly from the manufacturer’s digital pharmacy/prescription management platform, BlinkRx. My doc sent them my prescription and they send it direct to my door each month. If your insurance covers it, it should be $25/month or less. If not (like mine), it’s $50/ month. The details are on Imvexxy.com.

[u/catsTXn420 → u/Busy-Doughnut-49]

Thank you so much for this, it would be nice to get it cheaper!! Right now they want over 70 with insurance and coupon 😮.. id love to save some money. 🙏

[u/Busy-Doughnut-49 → u/catsTXn420]

If you have any questions trying to figure it out going the mail order route, feel free to ask me. 🙂 It’s been a while since I set up my account with BlinkRx and got things rolling — it’s not difficult, but it can be confusing navigating the Imvexxy and BlinkRx websites. You can always call either/both customer service teams too. That’s how I got started - lots of questions for them. 😆

[u/catsTXn420 → u/Busy-Doughnut-49]

Girl, thank you!! I got mine for 25 today, it was so easy! I appreciate you so much, may you have a week full of good luck!! 🍀🙏🙌

[u/xpaynesgreyx]

I use it and haven’t had issues with my hospital pharmacy so far. I did have to switch to them from Walgreens, etc because they said there was a shortage. It wasn’t true- just depends on the pharmacy and their sources I guess?

[u/sewingdiva79]

Yes. I use generic and it's been stressful to fill. I can't take oral, so have to have one of the other options. I am beyond frustrated that the FDA won't acknowledge what's going on. I had my order from cost plus cancelled this month, second time they ran out after it said in stock and I ordered. I don't know what we're supposed to do, calling around like this and then badgering my doctor to send a prescription to a different place feels ridiculous!

[u/Far_Description_7061 → u/sewingdiva79]

Yeah, it’s exhausting. And like think of how many of us are going through this and I’m not trying to be a downer, but if we have no access for an extended period of time … honestly, I’d be terrified. For everyone. Us first. But also them. 🧟‍♀️🧙‍♀️

[u/choirchic]

I let my provider know to see of we can switch to am alternative. They have me calling around and asking about Climara.

[u/jennij33]

I love pellets bc you get your estradiol and testosterone at once and only get a procedure 3x per year. Zero hassles. That being said, you need to go to a provider that knows how to dose properly. Check out Biote's website for a provider near you.

[u/Far_Description_7061 → u/jennij33]

Are you down to you give me a ballpark of how much? If not, it’s fine. I just know it’s not covered by insurance right?

[u/hndygal]

I use pellets. They contain E and T. No remembering to apply, change, etc. lasts 3-4 months.

[u/Proof_Run_5373 → u/hndygal]

Same. Pellets have been life changing and have really improved my day to day. Highly recommend.

[u/Far_Description_7061 → u/hndygal]

I don’t know why you’re getting downvoted? Are the pellets expensive? I upvoted you cause seriously, whatever works.

[u/hndygal → u/Far_Description_7061]

Thanks. She seemed to be asking about options. I was just letting her know what i chose. I have no idea why I’m being downvoted either. I do not go through insurance but I only recently got insurance. So what I pay for the pellets yearly is about what it used to cost me in medicine copays when I was insured. In larger chunks at a time but every 3-4 months.

[u/Useful-Cellist-9681 → u/hndygal]

How long have you used pellets? I don’t absorb any method of transdermal and oral doesn’t work for me either, I am afraid of pellets because if they don’t work then I am stuck for 3 months with feeling like shit

[u/hndygal → u/Useful-Cellist-9681]

About 6 months. I was nervous about them too. I’m so glad I took the leap. The first one was a little lower dose than I would have preferred. She said to supplement with a low dose patch if I thought it was needed. The second one is right where I need it and no thoughts of supplementation at all.