'Chronic shortage' of HRT patches while Ozempic and antibiotics also in short supply

A menopause specialist pharmacist is worried that the supply of HRT patches will not match demand in January. File photo

HRT patches used by menopausal woman are in short supply with other vital medication including Ozempic and antibiotics for winter illnesses also out of stock, latest data show.

Shortages of HRT are one reason why it is “unrealistic” to begin offering this medicine for free from January, pharmacists have warned.