Comments on: Gynol II Discontinued http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/ An NHS Prescribing Advisers' Blog Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:02:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Victoria http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-3094 Victoria Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:40:19 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-3094 I live in the US and can not find Gynol II anywhere. I found this website and was surprised to hear the same complaints as I have. I told my husband he will have to get a vasectomy if I couldn't use this!! I did order online at www.undercovercondoms.com. They charged me a total of $17.90 with shipping. Good luck to all of you in the UK. I live in the US and can not find Gynol II anywhere. I found this website and was surprised to hear the same complaints as I have. I told my husband he will have to get a vasectomy if I couldn’t use this!! I did order online at http://www.undercovercondoms.com. They charged me a total of $17.90 with shipping. Good luck to all of you in the UK.

]]> By: Diana http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-3080 Diana Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:11:04 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-3080 I have just discovered that Ortho-creme has been discontinued and can't believe that the tubes of gygel are so tiny! Surely it is not too much to ask for decent sized tubes, and also for a choice, I have used both creme and gel in the past and have been fed up with not having the choice for the last year or so. I will be contacting the manufacturers as soon as my pharmacist had managed to find me some (he was very helpful) but it would have been useful if my GP had realised before he wrote me a presciption for a discontinued product. I have just discovered that Ortho-creme has been discontinued and can’t believe that the tubes of gygel are so tiny! Surely it is not too much to ask for decent sized tubes, and also for a choice, I have used both creme and gel in the past and have been fed up with not having the choice for the last year or so. I will be contacting the manufacturers as soon as my pharmacist had managed to find me some (he was very helpful) but it would have been useful if my GP had realised before he wrote me a presciption for a discontinued product.

]]> By: Helen http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-3066 Helen Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:11:48 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-3066 I've been a successful user of ortho creme and orthoforms for 8 years. Gynol gave me extreme irritation. So now I'm as annoyed as everyone else was when gynol disappeared. I have no other contraceptive choices, can't take hormones, and after a failed sterilisation and complications, refuse to let a doctor near me with a coil. What choices are we left with as women, it's ridiculous......celibacy? I’ve been a successful user of ortho creme and orthoforms for 8 years. Gynol gave me extreme irritation. So now I’m as annoyed as everyone else was when gynol disappeared.
I have no other contraceptive choices, can’t take hormones, and after a failed sterilisation and complications, refuse to let a doctor near me with a coil.
What choices are we left with as women, it’s ridiculous……celibacy?

]]> By: hbeven http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-3023 hbeven Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:17:27 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-3023 I to am struggling on with Gygel. I prefered ortho creme ( less gloopy than Gynol ) Now I'm back to Gygel in tiny tiny 30g tubes. I get mine from the FPC, but to day I was told, that my suppies will be limited to one tube at a time ( max of one tube a month)! That's not to much of a problem for me, but could be for some! I am much more frugal with the applied ammount now! I to am struggling on with Gygel. I prefered ortho creme ( less gloopy than Gynol ) Now I’m back to Gygel in tiny tiny 30g tubes. I get mine from the FPC, but to day I was told, that my suppies will be limited to one tube at a time ( max of one tube a month)! That’s not to much of a problem for me, but could be for some! I am much more frugal with the applied ammount now!

]]> By: Mandy http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2917 Mandy Sun, 22 Jun 2008 06:30:08 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2917 Hi All. Another couple here who are completely turned off by Ortho=Creme. I will be approaching the FP clinic for Gygel next week & if no luck there my GP. I think this whole episode is shocking. I already feel under so much pressure to use a hormone based contraceptive (pill, implant, minerva coil) but simply will not as I believe there will be a price to pay in later life for all this "hormone pumping" that goes on these days. There are moves to ban the routine use of hormones in meat farming yet it's by far the favorite option of the medical profession for women. Anyone else find that disturbing? Hi All. Another couple here who are completely turned off by Ortho=Creme. I will be approaching the FP clinic for Gygel next week & if no luck there my GP. I think this whole episode is shocking. I already feel under so much pressure to use a hormone based contraceptive (pill, implant, minerva coil) but simply will not as I believe there will be a price to pay in later life for all this “hormone pumping” that goes on these days. There are moves to ban the routine use of hormones in meat farming yet it’s by far the favorite option of the medical profession for women. Anyone else find that disturbing?

]]> By: Sarah http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2831 Sarah Thu, 29 May 2008 10:33:46 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2831 Hi, just thought I'd sneak a look to see whether this site was still attracting the same level of interest as a couple of months back! For those who have been told they have to pay for gygel, my local chemist has now managed to get me several prescriptions of gygel and I have never been asked to pay, he just ticks the free contraceptive box on the back of the form. ( I am in Hampshire by the way, so the 'Scottish' prescription stuff definitely doesn't apply here!) He has also told me that ech time I get a new prescription, he will automatically re-order ot for me so that I don't have to wait for ages when I take the prescriptions in to him. I still think the size of the tubes is ridiculously small and I do still prefer the texture of gynoll ll, so will probably continue to order from the US as I find the cost is surprisingly reasonable. (it's http://www.undercovercondoms.com ) Hi, just thought I’d sneak a look to see whether this site was still attracting the same level of interest as a couple of months back! For those who have been told they have to pay for gygel, my local chemist has now managed to get me several prescriptions of gygel and I have never been asked to pay, he just ticks the free contraceptive box on the back of the form. ( I am in Hampshire by the way, so the ‘Scottish’ prescription stuff definitely doesn’t apply here!) He has also told me that ech time I get a new prescription, he will automatically re-order ot for me so that I don’t have to wait for ages when I take the prescriptions in to him. I still think the size of the tubes is ridiculously small and I do still prefer the texture of gynoll ll, so will probably continue to order from the US as I find the cost is surprisingly reasonable. (it’s http://www.undercovercondoms.com )

]]> By: Prescribing Advice for GPs » Contraceptive Gel http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2598 Prescribing Advice for GPs » Contraceptive Gel Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:08:45 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2598 [...] By far the busiest article on this site, in terms of follow up comments, is about the discontinuation of Gygel II. [...] [...] By far the busiest article on this site, in terms of follow up comments, is about the discontinuation of Gygel II. [...]

]]> By: Maggie http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2576 Maggie Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:11:38 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2576 My doctor wrote a prescription for OrthoCreme, not knowing it had gone off the market. When my chemist eventually got Gygel (early March) the prescription was changed to two tubes of Gygel. Someone here obviously realised that each tube contained less. I get free prescriptions because of a medical condition, but I'm sure that I was offered the choice of ticking the 'free contraceptives' box on the prescription. I'm in Scotland; maybe that makes a difference. I certainly got no impression that I would have been asked to pay for a contraceptive product. My doctor wrote a prescription for OrthoCreme, not knowing it had gone off the market. When my chemist eventually got Gygel (early March) the prescription was changed to two tubes of Gygel. Someone here obviously realised that each tube contained less.

I get free prescriptions because of a medical condition, but I’m sure that I was offered the choice of ticking the ‘free contraceptives’ box on the prescription. I’m in Scotland; maybe that makes a difference. I certainly got no impression that I would have been asked to pay for a contraceptive product.

]]> By: Amy http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2561 Amy Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:16:28 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2561 I have just received my Gynol II gel from the US website www.undercovercondoms.com at a cost of £7 with £5.95 P&P. Arrived in around 10 days. From what I can understand, the tubes are over three times the size of what is available in the UK. They also sent me a standard 10% code with my recipt for payment but within a few days also emailed me with a 20% off offer across their product range. I think you need to order fist to get the deal but if you are a regular user of the products its worth stock piling! I have just received my Gynol II gel from the US website http://www.undercovercondoms.com at a cost of £7 with £5.95 P&P. Arrived in around 10 days. From what I can understand, the tubes are over three times the size of what is available in the UK. They also sent me a standard 10% code with my recipt for payment but within a few days also emailed me with a 20% off offer across their product range. I think you need to order fist to get the deal but if you are a regular user of the products its worth stock piling!

]]> By: Simone A http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2553 Simone A Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:07:30 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2553 I just learned that Ortho is discontinued. I ordered the replacement product from exress chemists in Brighton. But it is much more expensive. Could someone recommend a reliable American website where gygel is better value? Best Simona I just learned that Ortho is discontinued.
I ordered the replacement product from exress chemists in Brighton. But it is much more expensive.
Could someone recommend a reliable American website where gygel is better value?
Best
Simona

]]> By: Simon http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2542 Simon Sun, 16 Mar 2008 01:27:31 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2542 Having just squeezed out the last drop of Orthocreme - yes, some of us successfully used it - we too have found that it is now discontinued - its only taken the three local chemists 3 months to find out why they can't get it. The comments are most helpful, but the attitude from DoH et al outrageous. Can Sarah share her supplier's address? Having just squeezed out the last drop of Orthocreme - yes, some of us successfully used it - we too have found that it is now discontinued - its only taken the three local chemists 3 months to find out why they can’t get it. The comments are most helpful, but the attitude from DoH et al outrageous. Can Sarah share her supplier’s address?

]]> By: sarah http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2534 sarah Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:31:58 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2534 Hi again,i agree with the comments regarding the size of the gygel tubes. It is ridiculous! I am also STILL waiting for my chemist to obtain stocks! ( he has had my prescription for a month now!) In that time I have ordered and received TWO lots of gynol ll from the link supplied by vub. ( you need to go to the .com version) If it is true that we will have to pay for gygel, I will just continue to order from the states as they a) have stock available, b)even with the post system it arrives quite quickly ( about 10 days or so) and c) it is the same pricefor a 103g tube as it is for a 30g tube of gygel! postage is about another £5 on top so it is better to order a few at a time. Hi again,i agree with the comments regarding the size of the gygel tubes. It is ridiculous! I am also STILL waiting for my chemist to obtain stocks! ( he has had my prescription for a month now!) In that time I have ordered and received TWO lots of gynol ll from the link supplied by vub. ( you need to go to the .com version) If it is true that we will have to pay for gygel, I will just continue to order from the states as they a) have stock available, b)even with the post system it arrives quite quickly ( about 10 days or so) and c) it is the same pricefor a 103g tube as it is for a 30g tube of gygel! postage is about another £5 on top so it is better to order a few at a time.

]]> By: Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2459 Matthew Robinson Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:20:41 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2459 The list of what is considered free as a contraceptive will be defined by the DoH - not sure which department though. The list of what is considered free as a contraceptive will be defined by the DoH - not sure which department though.

]]> By: Benny http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2457 Benny Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:15:01 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2457 Marlborough Pharmaceuticals Ltd have sent through this reply to my query about why the tubes were so small. I disagree with them, Any other views? "At the moment we have no plans to provide Gygel in 81g tubes. We feel the 30g tube size is more suitable in terms of carrying the product around in a wash bag for example. I will keep your details on file however and if we do make plans to increase the tube size, I will contact you." Marlborough Pharmaceuticals Ltd have sent through this reply to my query about why the tubes were so small. I disagree with them, Any other views?

“At the moment we have no plans to provide Gygel in 81g tubes. We feel the 30g tube size is more suitable in terms of carrying the product around in a wash bag for example. I will keep your details on file however and if we do make plans to increase the tube size, I will contact you.”

]]> By: Benny http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2450 Benny Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:47:03 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2450 Hi everyone. I have been following this debate since I first found Gynol II was discontinued. I agree with all comments on the alternatives. So when I read Gygel was now available I jumped with joy and asked my GP to prescribe. I can't believe that the tubes are 30 g when they used to be 81g. What's that about? Arn't women like us meant to have sex very often? But what I really want other people's views on is precription charges. I took the script to the chemists and was told I have to pay as Gygel isn't on the list of free contracetptives. Have others found this too? If it's a policy decision not a mistake I'm looking to complain. Any idea which department of the NHS / DoH makes these decisions? Hi everyone. I have been following this debate since I first found Gynol II was discontinued. I agree with all comments on the alternatives.
So when I read Gygel was now available I jumped with joy and asked my GP to prescribe. I can’t believe that the tubes are 30 g when they used to be 81g. What’s that about? Arn’t women like us meant to have sex very often?
But what I really want other people’s views on is precription charges. I took the script to the chemists and was told I have to pay as Gygel isn’t on the list of free contracetptives. Have others found this too? If it’s a policy decision not a mistake I’m looking to complain. Any idea which department of the NHS / DoH makes these decisions?

]]> By: sarah http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2449 sarah Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:38:52 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2449 I had also looked at the site recommended by Amy, but found that once VAT and postage have been added, there is very little difference in the prices. I actually feel that the better option is to order from the states as the tubes are much bigger ( gygel is in tiny tubes) and the price is about the same! ( even when you include postage!) It took just over two weeks for my package to arrive and as my chemist is finding it hard to locate Gygel to fill the prescription my GP kindly supplied,( amazing that if I pay I can get it!) I think I will continue to order from the US. I had also looked at the site recommended by Amy, but found that once VAT and postage have been added, there is very little difference in the prices. I actually feel that the better option is to order from the states as the tubes are much bigger ( gygel is in tiny tubes) and the price is about the same! ( even when you include postage!) It took just over two weeks for my package to arrive and as my chemist is finding it hard to locate Gygel to fill the prescription my GP kindly supplied,( amazing that if I pay I can get it!) I think I will continue to order from the US.

]]> By: Amy http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2444 Amy Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:32:00 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2444 I found this blog when looking for advice on products as I too don't want to use Pill etc with hormones. I am amazed at some of your experiences and felt a disappointed that I may have trouble gettng a suitable product. However, as well as the sources already listed, I have also found the following website as a possible source and cheaper than the £7 and £7.50 prices I have seem elsewhere. etchttp://www.wms.co.uk/Gygel_Contraceptive_Gel.html?V=&SID=6000&SSID=4000&GID=136140 I found this blog when looking for advice on products as I too don’t want to use Pill etc with hormones. I am amazed at some of your experiences and felt a disappointed that I may have trouble gettng a suitable product. However, as well as the sources already listed, I have also found the following website as a possible source and cheaper than the £7 and £7.50 prices I have seem elsewhere. etchttp://www.wms.co.uk/Gygel_Contraceptive_Gel.html?V=&SID=6000&SSID=4000&GID=136140

]]> By: Sarah http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2427 Sarah Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:34:47 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2427 Well, my order from express chemist has arrived(thankfully!) but what a difference in the size of the package! I am writing to my gp today to see whether Gygel is available on prescription because at over £7 a tube plus postage, it is going to be very expensive to buy on a regular basis. I am still awaiting the order from the US for the gynol II which may work out better financially! The Gygel seems more 'gloopy' than gynol II but it certainly doesn't seem to irritate or have the disgusting smell of ortho creme. Well, my order from express chemist has arrived(thankfully!) but what a difference in the size of the package! I am writing to my gp today to see whether Gygel is available on prescription because at over £7 a tube plus postage, it is going to be very expensive to buy on a regular basis. I am still awaiting the order from the US for the gynol II which may work out better financially! The Gygel seems more ‘gloopy’ than gynol II but it certainly doesn’t seem to irritate or have the disgusting smell of ortho creme.

]]> By: Marianne http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2419 Marianne Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:45:28 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2419 To add insult to injury, when buying Gygel we have to pay VAT! Aaargh! To add insult to injury, when buying Gygel we have to pay VAT! Aaargh!

]]> By: Marianne http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2418 Marianne Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:23:01 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2418 Hi, I have just discovered today that I can no longer get Gynol II gel and was disappointed that my GP suggested the coil as the only suitable alternative for me. (I have problems with hormone related contraceptives). However I have already had an awful experience with a coil and do not wish to use it again. I too tried Orthocreme in the past and found it to be extremely nippy and I too developed thrush. I am SO glad I had a quick look on the internet and found this page and all your comments. I'm off to try Sarah's link to the Express Chemists! (That said, I'd still be happy to sign a petition as someone already mentioned, contraception is meant to be free in this country!!) Hi, I have just discovered today that I can no longer get Gynol II gel and was disappointed that my GP suggested the coil as the only suitable alternative for me. (I have problems with hormone related contraceptives). However I have already had an awful experience with a coil and do not wish to use it again. I too tried Orthocreme in the past and found it to be extremely nippy and I too developed thrush. I am SO glad I had a quick look on the internet and found this page and all your comments. I’m off to try Sarah’s link to the Express Chemists! (That said, I’d still be happy to sign a petition as someone already mentioned, contraception is meant to be free in this country!!)

]]> By: Sarah http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2395 Sarah Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:44:52 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2395 Having used the link supplies by vub and placed an order from them ( due for delivery within 10 days) I have contacted Marlborough pharmaceuticals re GYGEL and they have told me this is NOW AVAILABLE ! I have ordered today from www.expresschemist.co.uk ( they promise First Class delivery) but your own local chemists should also be able to get it. The PIP code is:326-2508 Have fun! Having used the link supplies by vub and placed an order from them ( due for delivery within 10 days) I have contacted Marlborough pharmaceuticals re GYGEL and they have told me this is NOW AVAILABLE ! I have ordered today from http://www.expresschemist.co.uk ( they promise First Class delivery) but your own local chemists should also be able to get it. The PIP code is:326-2508 Have fun!

]]> By: Sarah http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2369 Sarah Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:12:12 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2369 I was given a prescription for the dreaded creme this week, only to be told that it too has been discontinued and that as yet, THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE! So, here I am being given advice by the chemist ranging from ' take a chance without it, the cap will probably be ok on its own'! to 'why not consider the pill'? I am allergic to the pill and have happily used the diaphragm for over 23 years and now I am told I have to reconsider what form of contraception I use! Whatever happened to choice? None of the chemists or my GP have been able to find out about the release of Gygel so I too, will have to try to order from the US! I was given a prescription for the dreaded creme this week, only to be told that it too has been discontinued and that as yet, THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE! So, here I am being given advice by the chemist ranging from ‘ take a chance without it, the cap will probably be ok on its own’! to ‘why not consider the pill’? I am allergic to the pill and have happily used the diaphragm for over 23 years and now I am told I have to reconsider what form of contraception I use! Whatever happened to choice? None of the chemists or my GP have been able to find out about the release of Gygel so I too, will have to try to order from the US!

]]> By: Chris http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2364 Chris Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:53:39 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2364 I have the same problem with othocreme- so after 28 years of use of a cap I am now stuck!I am encouraged to find how many others still use this very simple "outdated" method -I will be sending an order for Gynol II to USA soon! I have the same problem with othocreme- so after 28 years of use of a cap I am now stuck!I am encouraged to find how many others still use this very simple “outdated” method -I will be sending an order for Gynol II to USA soon!

]]> By: julie http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2361 julie Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:57:07 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2361 why oh why have the fpc stopped giving out gynol II gel ? i have tried the pill and coil with really nasty side effect so have gone back to my trusty diaphragm only to be told that i would have to use the cream as the gel had been discontinued, i told the nurse what would happen!thrush and cystisis !and my body did not let me down !!! please oh please bring back the gel as i am sure i am not the only lady in the uk with very sensitive bits !!! Marlborough Pharmaceuticals please hurry up and get Gygel in the fpc or chemist as things are becoming desperate !!!!!! why oh why have the fpc stopped giving out gynol II gel ? i have tried the pill and coil with really nasty side effect so have gone back to my trusty diaphragm only to be told that i would have to use the cream as the gel had been discontinued, i told the nurse what would happen!thrush and cystisis !and my body did not let me down !!!
please oh please bring back the gel as i am sure i am not the only lady in the uk with very sensitive bits !!! Marlborough Pharmaceuticals please hurry up and get Gygel in the fpc or chemist as things are becoming desperate !!!!!!

]]> By: vub http://www.prescriber.org.uk/2006/03/31/gynol-ii-discontinued/#comment-2310 vub Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:37:36 +0000 http://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=158#comment-2310 Try this website: http://www.undercovercondoms.co.uk/Condoms/Types/Gels/67/contraceptive-gels.html Try this website:

http://www.undercovercondoms.co.uk/Condoms/Types/Gels/67/contraceptive-gels.html

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