PHARMACISTS are to be given temporary powers to make substitutes to women's hormone replacement therapy prescriptions.
It comes amid a shortage of some hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products across the UK, meaning women cannot access the drugs they need.
Pharmacists cannot normally swap medication without a fresh prescription.
The move means pharmacists can offer women swaps to their HRT drugs or alternatives, including transdermal patches. Alternative products will be available for Oestrogel, Ovestin cream, Lenzetto transdermal spray and Sandrena gel sachets.
Health minister Robin Swann said the change will allow women to be given substitutes for drugs which are in short supply.
"My department has been working closely with colleagues across the UK to ensure HRT is available for everyone who needs it and I am pleased to see early action taken by the HRT Taskforce for the benefit of the whole UK, with suppliers continuing to increase the supply of some products which is a testament to the collaborative approach being taken," he said.
Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Cathy Harrison said: "This is a safe, effective way to ensure HRT continues to be available for those women who need it to manage their menopausal symptoms".
Gerard Greene from Community Pharmacy NI said: "This announcement means that patients will have timely and continued access to medication as needed, while taking steps to address the lengthy, often distressing waits many have been faced with in obtaining their HRT products.
"To date, community pharmacists have done their utmost to support patients throughout what is now recognised as a national shortage of HRT products.
"While it may be the case that patients are given a different product than they are used to, the intent of this policy is protecting continuity of supply of HRT medicines for patients during these challenging times."
