Puberty blockers temporary ban extended

We published a pharmacy alert on 31 May 2024 on new restrictions on the prescription and supply of puberty blockers.

Since 3 June 2024, in Great Britain, temporary emergency restrictions have been in place preventing the use of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues used to suppress puberty as part of treatment for gender incongruence or gender dysphoria in children and young people under 18 years of age.

The government has now passed further legislation to maintain the restrictions in Great Britain and extend them to Northern Ireland for the first time. The restrictions will come into effect in Northern Ireland on 27 August 2024 and expire across the UK at the end of 26 November 2024.

NHS England has issued guidance for prescribers and pharmacists /dispensing doctors on the extended government restrictions on use of puberty blockers.