NZ to reclassify the pill?
February 24, 2014
NZ regulatory body Medsafe
will consider whether to reclassify
some oral contraceptives from
prescription to restricted,
pharmacy-supplied medicines.
A submission to be considered
at the Medicines Classification
Committee in April calls for
the progestogen-only pills,
levonorgestrel, norethisterone,
and desogestrel, and the second
generation combined oral
contraceptives to be reclassified to
allow supply by specifically trained
pharmacists without subscription.
This would allow greater
accessibility and convenience, refilling
tablets without prescription,
possible reduction of barriers to
starting the oral contraceptive pill
the submission said.
Submitted by Pharmacybrands Ltd
and Pharma Projects Limited, the
submission suggests a safeguard
of specially trained pharmacists,
with a screening tool, and blood
pressure taken at each supply, with
records kept, and supply to women
of low risk.
“Pharmacists will provide advice
about how to take the medicine,
advice about appropriate health
screening (e.g. cervical smear
tests and sexually transmitted
infections), and be readily available
for follow-up queries.”
Pharmaceutical Society
of Australia (PSA) national
president Grant Kardachi said
the organisation was aware of
the application, and understood
this had not been submitted by a
sponsor.
“The application cites the safety
profile of OCs and potential public
health benefits through better or
increased access.
“Given the availability of
emergency contraception and
the supply of OCs through the
Continued Dispensing initiative
in Australia, it is probably not
unexpected that this application
has been submitted (in NZ).
“Their focus on a requirement for
appropriate training is consistent
with PSA’s approach.”
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