Contraceptive pill could be sold over the counter

The government has announced that two versions of the contraceptive pill could be reclassified to allow them to be made available over the counter.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is due to launch a public consultation on whether to reclassify two progestogen-only contraceptive pills, Hana 75 microgram film-coated tablets and Lovima 75 microgram film-coated tablets, both of which contain desogestrel. Both medicines will still be available from GPs and sexual health clinics.

If the medicines are reclassified, it could mark the first time in the country’s history that daily contraceptive pills would be available over the counter at pharmacies.

The MHRA’s director of vigilance and risk management of medicines, Dr Sarah Branch, said “Every response received will help us gain a better picture of whether people think the contraceptive pill with desogestrel should be available over the counter.

“We hope to hear from as many people as women’s groups as possible.”

Consumer healthcare association PAGB’s Michelle Riddalls, said the body “fully supports these reclassification applications.

“The MHRA consultation represents a landmark opportunity in women’s health and one which we hope will be viewed positively.

“Both Maxwellia and HRA Pharma have asked the MHRA to permit the sale of the progestogen-only pill products under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.

“As expert healthcare professionals, pharmacists are fully equipped to offer advice to anyone seeking information about over-the-counter medicines.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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