Over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives as a reproductive healthcare strategy

Abstract

OTC access to oral contraceptives could help to reduce unintended pregnancy by increasing the number of pill users, improve continuation and reduce gaps in use. It is critical that a future OTC pill be made available at an accessible price, and it should be covered by insurance without a prescription. Research suggests that common concerns about the safety of oral contraceptives OTC and a potential negative effect on women's use of preventive services are largely unsupported.

Medicines reclassification from a pharmaceutical industry perspective: An international qualitative study

“…In the United States (US) in 2012 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggested that reclassifing medicines could alleviate under-treatment of conditions like hypertension and asthma, 9 but no such reclassifications have been forthcoming. Despite calls for reclassification from Lancet editorials, 10,11 specialists, 12,13 women, 14,15 and medical associations, [16][17][18] and despite evidence supporting supply by pharmacists, 19,20 women still require a prescription for (non-emergency) oral contraceptives in most Western countries. 21 Many medicines that were suggested in the UK for non-prescription availability in 2002 22 remain prescription-only.…”

Pharmacist prescription of hormonal contraception in Oregon: Baseline knowledge and interest in provision

“…Contraception is effective at preventing unintended pregnancy but multiple barriers exist to effective and consistent use [2]. Access to and cost of contraceptives are common reasons for nonuse or gaps in use [9,10].…”

Prescription of Hormonal Contraception by Pharmacists in Oregon

“…Beginning January 1, 2016, Oregon pharmacists are eligible to prescribe the oral contraceptive pill or patch for women. Prescription of hormonal contraception by pharmacists, without a clinic visit or authorization, has been proposed as a strategy to improve access to contraception and reduce unintended pregnancy (1, 2). HealthyPeople 2020 prioritizes prevention of unintended pregnancy and identifies access to contraceptive services as an area of strategic importance.…”

“…Contraception is effective at preventing unintended pregnancy, but multiple barriers exist to correct and consistent use (2). Access to and cost of contraceptives are common reasons for nonuse or gaps in use (6, 7).…”