NEW Zealand's Medsafe regulatory agency has accepted a recommendation to change the classification of certain oral contraceptives from 'prescription' to 'restricted' medicines.
The move means the pill can be sold over the counter after a consultation with a pharmacist.
Pharmacists will be able to sell up to six months' supply to patients who meet certain conditions.
"To be eligible, a woman must have been prescribed a similar formulation within the last three years and not have developed risk factors which would preclude continued use without adequate medical supervision," Medsafe group manager Chris James said.
Women under 16 are not eligible, and nor are first time users of oral contraceptives.
The NZ Pharmacy Council and Pharmaceutical Society will be responsible for ensuring pharmacists are appropriately trained to provide oral contraceptives without a prescription to eligible women.
A submission to reclassify selected oral contraceptives was first made to NZ's Medicines Classifications Committee in 2014, with the proposal having since been extensively reviewed in consultation with medical professionals and consumer groups.
"The committee was satisfied that pharmacists could supply oral contraceptives to women who meet the specified criteria with the same levels of safety as other healthcare professionals," Medsafe said in a statement yesterday.
The reclassification will come into effect by the end of Feb, while availability of oral contraceptives from a pharmacy will only start once pharmacists have been deemed appropriately trained.
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