June 2002 issue Pharmacy Today magazine

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (ECP) WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Attending the first ECP accreditation session are, from left, Carolyn Phibbs (Levonelle product manager), Stephanie Wong (Zuellig Pharma professional services manager), Dr Helen Roberts, (Family Planning Association), and Auckland pharmacist John Savory.

The first 30 pharmacists have been accredited to supply the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) without prescription.

The New Zealand College of Pharmacists, and Family Planning Association's northern region research manager Dr Helen Roberts, held the first accreditation sessions in Auckland last month.

The Pharmaceutical Society has developed standards for supply and best practice guidelines for pharmacists to follow.

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) believes a full medical assessment of a woman's situation and condition should be carried out before providing the ECP.

Association chairman Dr John Adams says the nature of a doctor's training would enable them to uncover and address issues such as pregnancy, safe sex or sexually transmitted diseases.

A high degree of privacy, not always available in a pharmacy, is needed when dealing with such sensitive issues, he says.

Society pharmacy practice manager Euan Galloway says the NZMA's concerns were canvassed during consultation on the ECP.

He believes they were addressed during the development of best practice guidelines and standards for supply.

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