In case any members are using this product:
Class 3 Medicines Recall: Besins Healthcare (UK) Ltd, Oestrogel Pump-Pack 750 micrograms/actuation Gel (estradiol), EL (24)A/09
Besins Healthcare (UK) Ltd has informed the MHRA that a defective pump system was detected in two batches of Oestrogel Pump-Pack 750 micrograms/actuation Gel.
gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/c...
Includes the following somewhat self-contradictory statement:
Advice for patients
Patients who experience issues with a pump from the batches specified in the table should return the defective pumps to their pharmacy. As this is a prescription only medicine, a new prescription will be required for the dispensing of a replacement product. Patients with a HRT pre-payment certificate will not incur any additional costs. Where patients pay for NHS prescriptions, a charge for the new prescription will apply; patients may contact the Defective Medicines Reporting Centre if further information is required.
No further action is required by patients as this is a Pharmacy and Wholesaler level recall. Where the pump is functioning correctly, patients should continue to take medicines from these batches as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Strikes me that a true Pharmacy and Wholesaler level recall wouldn't have additional advice for patients. The simple fact this additional advice is present makes it a recall down to patient level in my view of the world! Even if the advice is that most patients can continue using it.
Obviously, all recalls have a tendency to affect availability of both the product itself and any possible alternatives.