Victorian pharmacists can resupply MHT - could it happen in WA?

It follows the expansion of the Victorian pharmacy prescribing program, Chemist Care Now, to allow pharmacists to prescribe menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

Eligible women in the state will be able to obtain a one-month resupply of MHT from participating pharmacies, the Victoria government announced.

To access the medication women must be aged 45 to 59 or aged 30 years and older with confirmed surgical menopause. They must also have seen their GP in the last 12 months and have used the same MHT for at least six months.

When asked by Medical Forum if WA’s Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot (EACPP) could be expanded to include resupply of MHT, the Department of Health did not rule it out.

A spokesperson said: “The WA government is committed to looking at further opportunities to increase access to healthcare across WA.”

There are currently 280 funded pharmacy training places for the EACPP in WA.

Further funding for additional training places will be considered as the program is rolled out, the department confirmed.

Currently pharmacists can prescribe for 17 conditions in the state.

The decision in Victoria faced backlash from the RACGP which said menopause care is more than just a repeat prescription.

The college has consistently spoken out against pharmacy prescribing, warning it risks patient safety.

RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz said a repeat prescription cannot replace the value of an ongoing relationship with a GP.

“Menopause affects women in different ways. GPs help patients manage their symptoms, review treatment, identify other health concerns and make decisions about their long-term wellbeing,” she said.