My pharmacy is refusing to dispense my hormones because I am under 18. What should I do?

My pharmacy is refusing to dispense my hormones because I am under 18. What should I do?

There is no legal age restriction on prescribing or dispensing hormones for gender-affirming care in the UK or many other countries. If your pharmacy is refusing to dispense your prescription, you have certain rights and options available:

1. Know Your Rights

  1. Access to Care: As a patient, you have the right to receive treatment that has been prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. There are no legal age restrictions on hormones used for gender-affirming care as long as they are prescribed by your doctor.
  2. Equality Laws: Discrimination on the basis of gender identity or age may be against your local equality laws (such as the UK Equality Act 2010). Pharmacies cannot refuse service solely based on your gender reassignment or age if it is legal for you to be prescribed the treatment.

2. Bring Your Treatment Recommendation

Take your Treatment Recommendation and prescription with you to the pharmacy. This official document serves as proof that your hormones have been prescribed as part of your gender-affirming care and are medically necessary.

Please refer to this Knowledge Base article for more information: The pharmacy didn't dispense and I need another prescription. What should I do?

3. Request an Explanation

  1. Be assertive: Politely but firmly ask the pharmacist to explain their refusal in writing, specifying the legal or medical basis for their decision to refuse dispensing due to your age or gender transition.
  2. If the refusal is based on personal or discriminatory beliefs, the pharmacy is required by law in many places to justify their refusal with a valid reason. Asking for this in writing will make it easier to escalate the issue if needed.

4. Try a Different Pharmacy

  1. Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from others in your community or online support groups who are familiar with gender-affirming care. They can help direct you to more supportive or experienced pharmacies in your area.
  2. Call Ahead: Contact a pharmacy before going to confirm that they are willing to dispense your prescription, which may save you time and avoid unnecessary stress.

5. Escalate If Necessary

  1. You may also choose to file a formal complaint with the pharmacy’s management, professional regulatory bodies (e.g., the General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK), or legal support organisations.
  1. If you believe you have been discriminated against based on your age or gender identity, you can seek assistance from advocacy groups or legal organisations specialising in LGBTQ+ rights. They can help you navigate your rights and, if necessary, escalate your case to a higher authority.
Remember, you have the right to access your prescribed medications without discrimination. Don't hesitate to stand up for yourself and seek support if needed.

    • Related Articles

    • My pharmacy refuses to dispense. What do I do?

      Our independent EU prescribers issue a prescription that is legally valid in all UK and EU pharmacies. Your pharmacy is not allowed to refuse to dispense without a good reason. If they do refuse, make sure you get their reasons in writing and ask for ...

    • The pharmacy didn't dispense and I need another prescription. What should I do?

      Occasionally, a pharmacist might only dispense medication if they are familiar with it. They also might not have the medication in stock or choose not to accept the prescription type you present them with for their own reasons. If you encounter this ...

    • Why is my pharmacy asking for an FP10?

      In the UK, there are two types of prescriptions: FP10 and private. An FP10 prescription is a specific type of prescription used within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. FP10 forms are used by general practitioners (GPs), ...

    • What do I do if the pharmacy gives me the wrong medication?

      The pharmacy can only dispense exactly what is written on the prescription, which is the treatment that has been prescribed for you in line with the clinical guidelines for gender-affirming care. If you want to discuss changes, then you will need to ...

    • What about hormones?

      The sex hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These make puberty happen and bodies develop, and they're very good at doing just that in transgender children. They're very safe, very effective, and give your trans child the ...