August 27th 2024

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Temporary ban on GnRH analogues extended

The government has renewed a temporary ban on the sale and supply of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues (c) 

The continuation of the ban until 26 November 2024 applies to the sale or supply of these drugs, prescribed by private UK-registered prescribers for gender incongruence or dysphoria to under 18s not already taking them.

It also prevents the sale and supply of the medicines from prescribers registered in the European Economic Area or Switzerland for any purposes to those under 18.  

The government has also extended the order to cover Northern Ireland, following agreement from the Northern Ireland Executive, to come into effect from 27 August 2024.

The legislation is The Medicines (Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Analogues) (Emergency Prohibition) (Extension) Order 2024. The Secretary of State has expressed the intention to make the ban permanent, but can only do this by following a procedure set out in the Medicines Act 1968, including a formal consultation. 

If people are unsure how the ban applies to their circumstances, further information is available from the National Referral Support Service for NHS Children and Young People’s Gender Services (see patients and parents: letter from NHS England regarding the implications of new government policy).

The service also provides details of organisations that people can contact for help and support.

The General Pharmaceutical Council has published a resource for pharmacy professionals to support them in providing information, support and services to children and young people with gender incongruence or dysphoria.