Injectable Estrogen Shortage

SHORTAGE OF INJECTABLE ESTROGEN PRESENTS POSSIBLE PUBLIC HEALTH RISK
ESTROGEN IN PATCH AND TABLET FORMS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center warns of potential public health risk for transgender women and transfeminine people due to a nationwide shortage of some generic and brand name injectable estrogen.  Makers of the drugs have reported manufacturing delays in getting the medications to the market.

“During times like these, we want to stress that suitable alternatives in pill and patch form exist that are safe and effective for people taking estrogen,” said Callen-Lorde’s Chief Medical Officer Peter Meacher, MD.  “Some people perceive that injections are stronger than pills or patches, but physiologically there is little difference between injection, pill or patch.”

“Taking a shot once every two weeks makes it easier for some patients to achieve adherence, rather than taking pills every day or wearing a patch around the clock,” said Anthony Vavasis, MD, Callen-Lorde’s Director of Medicine.  “But the safety and effectiveness of taking pills or using a patch while we wait for the injectable medication to be restocked, significantly outweighs the dangers of injecting hormones sold on the street.”

Callen-Lorde understands that some of our patients prefer injectable hormones, and will continue to advocate on behalf of our patients to ensure that the medications they need are available and affordable.

About Callen-Lorde
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center provides sensitive, quality health care and related services targeted to New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities — in all their diversity — regardless of ability to pay. To further this mission, Callen-Lorde promotes health education and wellness, and advocates for LGBT health issues.  To learn more about Callen-Lorde, please visit callen-lorde.org.