Morning-after pill on sale online

Rayne

Linky

Don't know if this is the right spot but hearing it on the news!

What do ye think?

Can't be a good idea, can it?

Nevyn

It is prescription only in this country and anyone who tired to order in to here is breaking the law as they don't have a lience to import medications.

Personally I don't think that service is a good idea.
I would be wary that is it just away to sell more product rather then
being a proper service for women which has their health and well being first.

Morning-after pill on sale online
Morning-after pill
One morning-after pill will cost £27.99 on the new service

A major High Street chemist has become the first in the UK to sell the morning-after pill over the internet.

Lloyds Pharmacy says it's giving people an option in emergencies but critics say it'll encourage unprotected sex.

From Monday, women can order up to three pills, which will be delivered 72 hours after they place the order.

Women wanting to use the service will have to complete a detailed questionnaire, which will then be checked by a doctor.

Women will be able to purchase up to three pills at a time, at prices ranging from £27.99 to £74.97.

The pill, which is reportedly 95% effective if taken within 24 hours of having sex, will only be sent to the address of the credit card holder ordering.

Steve Marinker, spokesperson for Lloyds Pharmacy, explained how the service was designed to be used.

This can help prevent things such as unplanned pregnancies as opposed to encouraging promiscuity
Emily James, Marie Stopes International

"A lot of women have told us that they would find it very useful to have an advanced supply of the morning-after pill," he explained.

"For example, when they're going abroad somewhere where they don't speak the language and they're worried that if they find themselves in a situation where they might need the morning-after pill - for example, a condom splits - that they won't necessarily be able to get one very easily.

"Maybe something's gone wrong with their normal contraception and it's a Saturday night," he added, "and they might be anxious about how long it will take them to get a morning-after pill, and that they might have to wait until Monday morning."

Confidential checks

Steve Marinker explained that the service's safeguards should cut the chances of people taking advantage of the system - for example, by stockpiling pills either for their own use or to sell on.

"Price is one [barrier]," he said, "and so too is the fact that each and every time you try to buy these products on our service a GP reviews your application.

"Through the confidential online patient record, he or she would know when you last tried to buy this product, so if there was anything irregular or worrying, the GP would immediately get in contact and ask you questions before they'd be prepared to write a prescription."

Some groups have greeted the news with concern, however, claiming the new system could cause harm to women by possibly making it simpler to get hold of the morning-after pill.

Paul Tully from the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children is worried by the news.

"We're very disturbed at this development, this is a trend that a number of those in the family planning industry have been pushing for," he said.

He believes contraceptive practices aren't working.

"One's got to look at good evidence. In terms of the epidemiological evidence - what's happening throughout the population - the accelerating rate of sexually transmitted diseases and the continuing high level of teenage pregnancies, pregnancies which people say are unplanned, and of abortions.

"All those practices indicate that the current kind of practices are not working."

'Emergency purposes only'

Emily James from the family planning clinic Marie Stopes International reckons the service is a step forward, though.

"The way people should perhaps be viewing this is very much as a 'belt and braces' approach," she said.

The morning-after pill is not meant to replace daily contraceptive pills

"This isn't designed to be contraception in its own right, the idea is that people can order this as part of their forward planning for if their normal contraception fails.

"So it's the idea that you can have it in your cupboard alongside your Paracetamol and your Nurofen, but with the idea that it's not there for consistent use, it's there for emergency purposes only."

Some commentators have suggested that the system, whereby women could have a few morning-after pills in their possession for emergencies, may lead to increased promiscuity, or even more cases of unprotected sex.

However, Emily James doesn't believe the small possibility of inappropriate use should stop Lloyds offering the service.

"That's always a risk that people are not going to use it in the intended way," she explained.

"There's always risks with contraceptive measures, nothing is 100% effective, so the idea that people can actually use emergency contraception is actually there to serve people who have had, for some reason, failed contraception.

"This can help prevent things such as unplanned pregnancies as opposed to encouraging promiscuity.

"The idea is that it needs to be used in the way it is intended."

jellie

sounds like a baaad baaad idea.

i can just imagine the scenario: "ah we've no condoms but sure i have a few MAPs at home ill just take 1 later"

ceegee

" women can order up to three pills, which will be delivered 72 hours after they place the order."

Bit frickin late if your actually using it for its intended purpose. Just gonna result in stupid lazy idiots spreading more STIs around

sam34

i think its very dodgy.

whats to stop someone lying on the "detailed questionnaire" about their health issues, just so they can get the MAP

and its also likely to lead to teh attitude "ah sure go ahead, ive the MAP in teh cupboard"

dodgy, imo

Rayne

I can't see it being beneficial, in the sense that it'll be abused.

It won't deliver outside the UK. AFAIK

Morgase

I cannot speak for all women but I know that for myself, and myself only, I would find it very useful to be able to get the MAP easily in an emergency.

Having said that, I would find it better to be able to go to the local pharmacy, explain my situation to the pharmacist, and get the MAP without having to give the doctor €55 aswell.

I've never used it myself, but I understand that the effects of it can be pretty horrid; not sure if people would end up abusing it if one is going to feel awful and be bleeding a lot after it.

Hagar

What's it going to be called?
The morning after the morning after the morning after the morning after (week-ends and Bank Holidays excluded) pill ?
FFS the child will be making its Communion before you get it.

Morgase

Morgase wrote: »

Having said that, I would find it better to be able to go to the local pharmacy, explain my situation to the pharmacist, and get the MAP without having to give the doctor €55 aswell.

Can you actually do that

Rayne

bluewolf wrote: »

Can you actually do that

You HAVE to see a doctor - They take blood pressure and ask questions regarding medical history.

So you have to pay the doctor (€50) AND for the pill (€20-€30)

JC 2K3

I fully support this.

A few idiots potentially misusing it is not an excuse to cover everyone else in bubblewrap.

And I mean, if it's available over the counter, then there's no reason for it not to be sold online.

JC 2K3

JC 2K3 wrote: »

I fully support this.

A few idiots potentially misusing it is not an excuse to cover everyone else in bubblewrap.

And I mean, if it's available over the counter, then there's no reason for it not to be sold online.

Where it is available over the counter it is with a consultation with a pharamist.
Your supposed to use this to store the pill up just in case, and it is safe because a doctor is checking your questionare.
What happens if circumstances have changed by the time you need the pill?

SapphireDiamond

SapphireDiamond wrote: »

You HAVE to see a doctor - They take blood pressure and ask questions regarding medical history.

So you have to pay the doctor (€50) AND for the pill (€20-€30)

That was my experience, I just wondered if there was a way to get around it if necessary

banshee_bones

Rock and a Hard place. While I agree with the over seas scenario with the language barrier i think there is potential for muppetry with this product.. but i can see problems like...
-Women buying it who are not currently in need and having it to hand "just in case"
-People who need it and wouldnt get it in time to get maximum benifit
-People taking more risks and contracting STD's/STI's because of its relative availablity.


But personally afaik you are not meant to take this any more than three times ever? Correct me if i am wrong here as i very well could be. . .

All seems fairly sketchy to me!

bluewolf

bluewolf wrote: »

That was my experience, I just wondered if there was a way to get around it if necessary

Go to a chemist across the border.

JC 2K3

If it's just a questionnaire, then it's obviously not a matter of life or death.

If the woman's circumstances change, then she should know not to take the MAP, as if reasons not to take the MAP are detectable with a questionnaire, it means she'll know herself not to take it.

Nevyn

JC 2K3 wrote: »

If it's just a questionnaire, then it's obviously not a matter of life or death.

If the woman's circumstances change, then she should know not to take the MAP, as if reasons not to take the MAP are detectable with a questionnaire, it means she'll know herself not to take it.

You really have no idea how clueless/desperate some people are and can be when it comes to trying to stop a pregnancy.

Yes in the case of the morning after pill causing a clot and it going to the brain or the heart it can be a case of life of death.

dfx-

tLL - I learn something new everyday

I don't know enough about the health slanted viewpoint, but can see the logic, but the lazy idiots/increased promiscuity viewpoint staggers me.

JC 2K3

From what I read of it, the MAP is very safe. A blood clot causing death would be a very very exceptional case. And as far as I can see, it seems that it's only those with a pro-life/anti-contraception agenda that promote such ideas of it being unsafe.

Nevyn

JC 2K3 wrote: »

From what I read of it, the MAP is very safe. A blood clot causing death would be a very very exceptional case. And as far as I can see, it seems that it's only those with a pro-life/anti-contraception agenda that promote such ideas of it being unsafe.

I am pro-choice and pro contraception so you can't lump me in with SPUC :P
and I still have my concern esp when you factor in the chances of a person
giving it to a friend as far to many people will do with prescription meds.

JC 2K3

But it's been approved as an OTC drug in most countries.

I can't find any reports on women dying from it online.

I just can't see anything wrong with it being more available...

cuckoo

Thaedydal wrote: »

and I still have my concern esp when you factor in the chances of a person
giving it to a friend as far to many people will do with prescription meds.

Sadly I agree with that, i've seen too many otherwise intelligent (and some downright stupid as well) people do really idiotic things with OTC and prescription drugs.

Also, saw on a tv medical drama a few years ago a plot line that involved a man using herbs to induce an abortion in his unsuspecting girlfriend. Yes, that was hyped up tv land - but i wouldn't be comfortable with the MAP being available over the internet to random anyones.

Tuesday_Girl

I live in Holland and here it's available in most chemists, you don't even have to ask for it as it's on the shelf outside the counter and it costs about E15.

I'm for making it more available and trusting people not to overuse/abuse it. Needing the MAP can be a traumatic experience and having to make a doctors appointment, explain to him/herwhy you need it and get a prescription filled at the pharmacy only adds to the stress and also wastes valuable time which can then make the pill less effective.

Jemmy

I could be wrong but arent you only meant to take it so many times in your life?
That easily available will be dodgey tbh.

Gauge

Jemmy wrote: »

I could be wrong but arent you only meant to take it so many times in your life?
That easily available will be dodgey tbh.

http://www.levonelle.co.uk/output/Page95.asp

(AFAIK this is the morning after pill most commonly used in Ireland).

Jemmy

Gauge wrote: »

http://www.levonelle.co.uk/output/Page95.asp

(AFAIK this is the morning after pill most commonly used in Ireland).

Oh right, but for some reason I have a memory of someone saying it is only advisable to take it a certain amount of times in your lifetime! My mind plays tricks on me sometimes!

If its that easy to get your hands on girls will be almost relying on it imo.

Nevyn

Razzle wrote: »

I live in Holland and here it's available in most chemists, you don't even have to ask for it as it's on the shelf outside the counter and it costs about E15.

I'm for making it more available and trusting people not to overuse/abuse it. Needing the MAP can be a traumatic experience and having to make a doctors appointment, explain to him/herwhy you need it and get a prescription filled at the pharmacy only adds to the stress and also wastes valuable time which can then make the pill less effective.

Holland has actual proper reproductive health bases education in schools
we do not.

Rayne

3 times max I believe.

After that the chances of it working as successful as 95% lessen as your body is used to the hormones!

I personally don't believe in pumping your body with hormones. Even the pill scares the crap outta me!

Jemmy

Thaedydal wrote: »

Holland has actual proper reproductive health bases education in schools
we do not.

I think its ridiculous that there isnt more awareness in schools these days.
I'm only 23 so out of school almost 6 yrs but for the 6 years I was in secondary school all we got was 1 half hour session on sex ed etc. :eek:

Nevyn

Gauge wrote: »

http://www.levonelle.co.uk/output/Page95.asp

(AFAIK this is the morning after pill most commonly used in Ireland).

And also from that website.

The great majority of women can take Levonelle One Step® emergency contraception (the morning after pill) without any problem. There are few side effects and there is no evidence of any long-term impact on your health or your future fertility. If you are over sixteen, you can buy Levonelle One Step® over the counter at most pharmacies throughout the UK.

However, a few medications can interact with emergency contraceptive pills, and make them less effective. And there are some medical conditions that may mean Levonelle One Step® is not suitable for you.

Medical conditions


Your pharmacist can only supply you with Levonelle One Step® after asking you certain questions. These questions are designed to check that you are suitable for this type of emergency contraception. Click here to see the questions the pharmacist will ask you.

You should not take Levonelle One Step® in the following circumstances:

* You have had an allergic reaction to the progestogen 'levonorgestrel' contained in some oral contraceptives
* You have a disease of the bowel/gut which causes malabsorption such as Crohn's Disease
* You have severe liver disease
* You are taking medication that might interact with Levonelle One Step®

If you are taking any other medication, you are ill at the moment or you have a long-term medical condition, be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor or family planning clinic before taking Levonelle One Step® and ask for advice on what to do next. If you can't take emergency contraception, ask about the IUD which can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

I am not anti emergency contraception at all, but it is not suitable for everyone and while I do agree that it should be available over the counter
after a consult with your chemist assuming you have a regular chemist
I still disagree with it being mail order over the internet.

Gauge

SapphireDiamond wrote: »

3 times max I believe.

After that the chances of it working as successful as 95% lessen as your body is used to the hormones!!

See my link above. Every girl I know seems to believe in this myth. It's not true and people are doing no good by constantly repeating it.

Gauge

Jemmy wrote:

Well if you read the more detailed info it says basically its not advisable bcoz it starts to have less of the desired effect.

All I can see is that you shouldn't take it more than once in the same cycle, as it may effect the timing of your period if you do so, not that it becomes less effective?

I actually got stuck in the middle of an argument revolving around this recently where one friend was considering taking her chances after a condom broke, because another friend had told her that if she took the morning after pill more than twice in her lifetime she would do irreperable damage. I also know girls convinced that the morning after pill will cause embryos to 'split', eventually resulting in twins and triplets.

So I am very sensitive about people making big deals out of rumours and non-existent side effects (I am aware that there ARE side effects- but people seem to be worried about the ones that are mostly rumours). I just don't see what it achieves.

Edit: You deleted your post never mind then...

dfx-

Thaedydal wrote: »

I am not anti emergency contraception at all, but it is not suitable for everyone and while I do agree that it should be available over the counter
after a consult with your chemist assuming you have a regular chemist
I still disagree with it being mail order over the internet.

But almost all medicine is not suitable for someone for some reason or other and a lot rightly remains OTC

Consultation with a doctor or chemist =/= safe for everyone

Morgase

SapphireDiamond wrote: »

You HAVE to see a doctor - They take blood pressure and ask questions regarding medical history.

So you have to pay the doctor (€50) AND for the pill (€20-€30)

Thanks for clarifying that, I didn't mean to give the impression that you can get it over the counter; only that I would prefer it if you could.

JC 2K3

Thaedydal wrote: »

I am not anti emergency contraception at all, but it is not suitable for everyone and while I do agree that it should be available over the counter
after a consult with your chemist assuming you have a regular chemist
I still disagree with it being mail order over the internet.

You can apply that reasoning to any OTC medication. And reading the quote you posted, it seems that the MAP is only potentially harmful if the person either has an allergy (and unless they know about it, a questionnaire by a pharmacist isn't going to uncover that), or they are quite sick in the first place.

tallaght01

Pretty safe drug.

Access to it is such a big issue.

Make it OTC and let well regulated licensed sellers dispense it online, IMO.

allabouteve

Can't remember where, but I do remember reading that readily available paracetemol is far more likely to both be misused and to cause long term damage/death if misused.

Seems crazy to prevent its online sale in view of that.

astrofool

There's much more harmful medicine available in the aisle of Tescos and Dunnes, it's ridiculous that MAP requires a doctor consult.

Typical of the Irish attitude towards pregnancy, and a dropping down in my estimation of Thaedydal.

Nevyn

I am for it being advailible over the counter with a consult with the prescribing chemist
just not for it to be advailible on line and given my way all contraception and contraceptive
visits to the dr would be free for those under the age of 25.

Rayne

Morgase wrote: »

Thanks for clarifying that, I didn't mean to give the impression that you can get it over the counter; only that I would prefer it if you could.

Oh I know... Same, I would prefer it if you could too!!

dfx-

astrofool wrote: »

and a dropping down in my estimation of Thaedydal.

A tad harsh..

eslsys

I would think never ever buy medication of any sort online, there are some reputable sites but few and far between. Some horror stories out there from people who've used online suppliers

Blisterman

Well, seeing as it costs 20 quid a pop, I don't think many people will be using it as an alternative to the pill, or condoms.

Incidentally, why is it so expensive? It's about the most expensive over the counter medicine there is. Surely boots or someone could make a generic yellow pack version.

JC 2K3

It's a more infrequent purchase than other OTC meds, and also that people aren't going to refuse to pay €20 and risk getting pregnant.

Munster_Gal

Why would you want to order it online? It's most effective when used 24 hours after haveing sex..... if you order it you're going to be waiting 2-3 days for it and it may not even work when taken at that stage!

i do agree that it should be available over the counter though. paying around €70 is a bit ridiculous!!!

allabouteve

Munster_Gal wrote: »

Why would you want to order it online? It's most effective when used 24 hours after haveing sex..... if you order it you're going to be waiting 2-3 days for it and it may not even work when taken at that stage!

Haven't checked out the online set-up, but I would expect courier delivery to be part of it so its taken quickly.

Like ordering groceries from the online market and having them delivered in 2-4 hours.

Malari

allabouteve wrote: »

Haven't checked out the online set-up, but I would expect courier delivery to be part of it so its taken quickly.

Like ordering groceries from the online market and having them delivered in 2-4 hours.

72hours after placing the order, says the news article. Not much use unless you intend having a stash for emergency use.

I would imagine it could take nearly as long anyway in Ireland if you needed one on a bank holiday weekend...

allabouteve

Best use of that resourse would be an emergency stash anyway though.

If its that easily got, thats what I'd do, but you're right, 72 hours is the limit of any effectiveness.