Hello all,
Just sharing this in case anyone finds it useful with regard to different brands of hormone therapy as there have been many posts about how different brands of the same medicine can affect people.
I saw an article on the Web about Martin Lewis (I think) being on a TV programme and saying that you can tell if something is exactly the same medicine (although may be sold under different names in different boxes etc) by comparing the Product Licence (PL) Number on the packets.
I have stuck with Teva brand of Anastrazole and intend to for the future unless they stop making or side effects outweigh benefits. However, I note the Product Licence number is the same on the box named “Almus” - and looking closely it does mention Teva on the box so I think they may be the manufacturer and Almus a distributor. Oh well, if pharmacy does not have Teva then I know I I can at least ask for Almus.
For anyone who is interested, Product Licence numbers can be looked up online as they are featured on the patient information leaflet (PIL) so if you know some brand names you could always do a search of PL numbers for any matches.
On another matter, after my first prescription of Anastrasole, I asked GP if they could specify the Teva brand on my script. They only supply two months at a time (very optimistic!!!) and I felt I had been through enough and did not need extra stress of brand hunting or trying different ones everytime. This particular GP said that they were not allowed to do it and could not do it. Anyway Boots have been brilliant in obtaining Teva (although had a lengthy wait at times but I have managed to build a stock up of 8 months by putting in very regular prescriptions which no one queried).
I saw another GP at the same practice recently and mentioned it again. Without hesitation, this GP put the brand on my prescription record immediately. Now at least I do not feel that I am asking Boots or other to do me a special favour! Sometimes it is worth asking again…
Take care all x