TRAINED South Australian pharmacists are now able to resupply certain oral contraceptives to women aged 17 to 50, the state's Health Minister Chris Picton announced today.
The Community Pharmacy Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) Resupply Services Scheme will kick in from 06 May 2024 and covers low and standard dose estrogen and progestogen only contraceptive pills.
The OCP must be initiated by a medical practitioner or authorised prescriber, and the patient must have experienced stable continuous use for a minimum of two years prior to being resupplied the Pill.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) also welcomed the announcement.
To prepare for the launch of the scheme, pharmacists can complete the organisation's Contraception Essentials online training module.
"Improving the accessibility to and continuity of contraceptive medicines is essential to empower women to manage their reproduction," explained Dr Manya Angely, PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President.
"This program will make oral contraception more accessible to more South Australian women, particularly those in regional and rural areas.
"Pharmacists are also some of the most accessible health care professionals, giving consumers safe, and equitable access to quality health care and advice as well as provision of medicines, now including approved oral contraceptive pills."
To boost their skills and acquire the approved, high-quality education needed, Angely also strongly encouraged all South Australian pharmacists to complete the PSA training module, which is now open for enrolment. A NSW pharmacy trial is currently underway for trained pharmacists to resupply women with a lower-risk oral contraceptive pill.
Women must be 18-35 years and have already taken the Pill continuously for two years. JHM
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