Morning after pill on sale over the counter

Morag

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0216/1224289929512.html

EITHNE DONNELLAN, Health Correspondent

THE MORNING after pill can be made available without prescription in all pharmacies from today after the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) yesterday approved one of two brands of emergency contraceptive licensed here for use as an over-the-counter medicine.

The news comes as the Boots pharmacy chain was told by the board it was breaking the law by making the morning after pill available without prescription for the past month under a protocol drawn up by its medical director.

Boots began supplying the drug over the counter under what were called “patient group directions” in January, but the board said last night there was no provision for these in Irish legislation.

“The position of the IMB, as the regulatory authority, is that the supply of prescription-only medicines under patient group directions is unlawful,” it said. Boots said last night it was confident its interpretation of the law was correct.

It emerged yesterday that the manufacturers of NorLevo, one of two brands of morning after pill licensed by the board for use in the State, lodged an application to have its product made available over the counter last month after seeing the demand for emergency contraception when it was available without prescription in Boots.

HRA Pharma had lodged a previous application to vary the prescription-only status of the licence for its morning after pill in 2007, but withdrew it when the board sought additional information. Its application to make the product available without prescription was approved this time within weeks by the board.

HRA Pharma said NorLevo had been used by more than 55 million women in 48 countries, 30 of which had adopted an over-the-counter status for the drug.

The morning after pill must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to be effective in preventing pregnancy, but the earlier it is taken the more effective it is.

There have been many calls from the Irish Family Planning Association and other groups for the medicine to be made available over the counter in order to make it more accessible to women.

The second morning after pill licensed for use here and the one which has had 95 per cent of market share – Levonelle – is now only available on prescription, the board said, following its decision that Boots’s actions in supplying it over the counter were unlawful.

Boots had been charging €45 for the over-the-counter service, including a consultation with staff. NorLevo is now expected to be made available over the counter for about €10. Boots had supplied the drug over the counter only to women aged 18 and over.

NorLevo can now be had over the counter by females of any age. There is no age restriction in the product licence.

So it''s not just Boots anymore which is great for all those who are in small towns where there is not any of the chain and it looks like the price is to drop to be inline with the cost over the counter in the UK.

Mr. Presentable

I wonder what long term impact this will have on the spread of STDs.

Morag

Same rubbish was said about The Pill.
Given HIV is on the rise in the Hetro population and there are STI which are with you for ever which you have to legally disclose to a partner and people are getting more educated about STI hopefully the rates will drop.

Many women who need to go and get the Morning after pill are using it as back up contraception when their main type of contraception fails when they are in a monogamous relationship.

Mr. Presentable

Sharrow wrote: »

Same rubbish was said about The Pill.
Given HIV is on the rise in the Hetro population and there are STI which are with you for ever which you have to legally disclose to a partner and people are getting more educated about STI hopefully the rates will drop.

Many women who need to go and get the Morning after pill are using it as back up contraception when their main type of contraception fails when they are in a monogamous relationship.

Probably, but I wasn't around when the pill came out.......

Ksusha26

Sharrow wrote: »

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0216/1224289929512.html



So it''s not just Boots anymore which is great for all those who are in small towns where there is not any of the chain and it looks like the price is to drop to be inline with the cost over the counter in the UK.

Thanks God and about time Ireland finally reached the 21st century. No more hazzle of going through a GP to get a prescription.

Morag

Mr. Presentable wrote: »

Probably, but I wasn't around when the pill came out.......

Really you weren't around in 1984 when it was finally made legal and available here, my you are young.

Malari

Sharrow wrote: »

Really you weren't around in 1984 when it was finally made legal and available here, my you are young.

Well, I'd say a lot of posters here are under 25yrs. Or only 5 or 6 when the pill became legal. I certainly can't imagine it not being available.

Hopefully in less than 25 years there will be as little controversy over the MAP as there is now over the pill. It's definitely another step in the right direction for women to more easily control their own reproduction choices.

Faith

Why is only one brand - the far, far less popular one - available OTC now? What sense is there in keeping Levonelle prescription-only?

That's great news though!

krudler

Sharrow wrote: »

Really you weren't around in 1984 when it was finally made legal and available here, my you are young.

I doubt most of the posters on here were old to enough for the pill being made legal to have any impact on them in 1984. our parents maybe..

Faith

Faith wrote: »

Why is only one brand - the far, far less popular one - available OTC now? What sense is there in keeping Levonelle prescription-only?

That's great news though!

Are they the same type or is it to do with the different types of MAP

xxfelix

Well if it had been available when i had that wild night;)
i would'nt have my wee man now:D - yes i could have gone to the doc's but didnt but i prob...would have gone to chemist......


Anyhow i think its great:) to have the choice now!!

rainbow kirby

About bloody time.

xoixo

Faith wrote: »

Why is only one brand - the far, far less popular one - available OTC now? What sense is there in keeping Levonelle prescription-only?

That's great news though!

Is there a reason that one is far less popular?

kellso81

They're both the same, levonelle was the original brand name and was around first and therefore stuck in the minds of prescribers more so was more popular but they're both the same drug and the same strength

Bottle_of_Smoke

Mr. Presentable wrote: »

I wonder what long term impact this will have on the spread of STDs.

Negligible. This contraception is for use in emergencies, condoms breaking, being very drunk and forgetting a condom, rape etc

The type of person who'd use this as normal contraception is the type of person who wouldn't bother with condoms in the first place.

stupidusername

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

Negligible. This contraception is for use in emergencies, condoms breaking, being very drunk and forgetting a condom, rape etc

The type of person who'd use this as normal contraception is the type of person who wouldn't bother with condoms in the first place.

exactly. I don't like hearing this talk about how many people are going to treat this as regular contraception. it's an unpleasant experience to have to ask for it, so those that are going to try use it as a regular contraceptive are probably going to try anyway. and if this is really a concern dictating the distribution of the MAP then what we really need to tackle is sex education in the country. that's what really needs fixing.

I do think though that as a measure to deter some from using it as a regular contraceptive it should be made a little more expensive. It used to be 45, and now is going to be sold for 10!? that's a big difference. not to say that those who genuinely need it as a once off should be punished but how else is its distribution going to be regulated.

LambsEye

I remember having to go to the doctor to get it after an accident with my boyfriend. I went to a random doctor because I didn't want to go to my GP.

Worst, experience ever. Firstly it set me back about 85 quid, and secondly the doctor was absolutely HORRIBLE to me. Being really brisk and almost sneery with me.

Too right I say!

krudler

LambsEye wrote: »

I remember having to go to the doctor to get it after an accident with my boyfriend. I went to a random doctor because I didn't want to go to my GP.

Worst, experience ever. Firstly it set me back about 85 quid, and secondly the doctor was absolutely HORRIBLE to me. Being really brisk and almost sneery with me.

Too right I say!

Why wouldnt you go to your GP?

LambsEye

krudler wrote: »

Why wouldnt you go to your GP?

Ach, I was young and I would have felt very embarrassed asking her. She's been my doctor for ages and she's friends with my mam. Instead I went to this dude and I was nearly in tears coming out.

I just remember feeling so ashamed and embarrassed when I really had no reason to be. There's no reason it shouldn't be made available over the counter without going to a doctor! As in sure, there are some ladies who might mistreat the service but like someone said, those probably aren't the women that take care of their bodies anyway.

Has anyone seen if there are any religious groups or anything protesting this? It's only a matter of time I reckon.

patricia88

its sold over the counter in the UK for 20-25 pounds. Its free in the UK if you go to the GP. Even at 10 euro it would be an expensive form of regular contraception. You can get a packet of 12 condoms for close to that. As someone has said its really not very pleasant to have to go and ask for it either. I dont think it will have any effect on the way people use contraception. Its just better to have that extra option. Its not just young girls that use the morning after pill either. People in committed relationships use it just as frequently. Ireland needs to move into the 21st century. Im glad to see this happening eventually.

Bottle_of_Smoke

stupidusername wrote: »

I do think though that as a measure to deter some from using it as a regular contraceptive it should be made a little more expensive. It used to be 45, and now is going to be sold for 10!? that's a big difference. not to say that those who genuinely need it as a once off should be punished but how else is its distribution going to be regulated.

I wouldn't be too concerned. It would appear the pharmacists are going to give information on side effects and probably advise on STI testing. Perhaps there will be more once off users but repeat users I doubt it.

stupidusername

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

I wouldn't be too concerned. It would appear the pharmacists are going to give information on side effects and probably advise on STI testing. Perhaps there will be more once off users but repeat users I doubt it.

But that's what I'm saying I don't think there will be that many that will be repeat users. it's just that this is the biggest concern of this happening. And yes they do give information and recommend you get tested for STIs, but as much as this is common sense not everyone has that and so hence the general worry about STIs spreading.

Morag

There is no law about not sticking a fork in your eye.
Some people are just stupid or don't think and tbh if a person damages thier fertiliy due to taking the m.a.p. pill too often or from contracting and sti then, it's thier decision to engage in such risk taking behaviour and maybe it's a good thing they don't have kids.

Ksusha26

LambsEye wrote: »

I remember having to go to the doctor to get it after an accident with my boyfriend. I went to a random doctor because I didn't want to go to my GP.

Worst, experience ever. Firstly it set me back about 85 quid, and secondly the doctor was absolutely HORRIBLE to me. Being really brisk and almost sneery with me.

Too right I say!

+ 1 and now it is much more easily accessible. I used the MAP once last August after a one night stand with a guy I met in a nightclub. I was irresponsible but to go all the inconvenience of finding a doctor on a Sunday afternoon was not an experience I want to remember.

Lia_lia

About time too I say!

I remember once I had to get the MAP. I was still in school and my boyfriend at the time was in college in Dublin. I was up in Dublin visiting him, the condom split, neither of us had any money...and it was a Sunday! We (well, I) completely freaked out. I was going to borrow money off my friend (worked out at about €80!!) but instead when I got back down to Kerry the next day I told my Mother and she payed for it

strobe

Faith wrote: »

Why is only one brand - the far, far less popular one - available OTC now? What sense is there in keeping Levonelle prescription-only?

I was thinking the same thing when I heard this on the radio today. Was all ready when I got home to dig out my best tin foil hat and start my hunt to find out who in the government or the HSE have shares in or connections to HRA Pharma.

But the air got taken out of my sales fairly quick. It seems that it is just that HRA took the initiative to apply for an OTC license for Norlevo and after the IMB reviewed their application decided to grant it this week. Technically Boots were probably not operating legally before this decision came through and if HRA had not have made the application Boots would have been forced to stop supplying the MAP without prescription. Where as Bayer, the makers of Levonelle, have not applied to have the change from prescription to OTC for it. Expect them to do so within weeks and have it granted no problem I would imagine.

But it doesn't make much difference, Norlevo and Levonelle are the exact same thing, just in different packaging. Kinda like Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

Faith

strobe wrote: »

I was thinking the same thing when I heard this on the radio today. Was all ready when I got home to dig out my best tin foil hat and start my hunt to find out who in the government or the HSE have shares in or connections to HRA Pharma.

But the air got taken out of my sales fairly quick. It seems that it is just that HRA took the initiative to apply for an OTC license for Norlevo and after the IMB reviewed their application decided to grant it this week. Technically Boots were probably not operating legally before this decision came through and if HRA had not have made the application Boots would have been forced to stop supplying the MAP without prescription. Where as Bayer, the makers of Levonelle, have not applied to have the change from prescription to OTC for it. Expect them to do so within weeks and have it granted no problem I would imagine.

But it doesn't make much difference, Norlevo and Levonelle are the exact same thing, just in different packaging. Kinda like Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

Awesome, good to know. Brand-name paranoia set in briefly when I heard it . "I'm not buying no Tesco Value MAP!" .

LegacyUser

The company who make Norlevo applied for the change to over-the-counter status. Presumably if the company who make the other brand applied to the IMB, they will get the same results

Poor Craythur

Having seen women I know utterly devastated by abortions, this is a great thing. I'm pro-choice, but for some women I know abortion was the last resort.

And in this country, many members of the medical community are still very judgemental towards women looking for emergency contraception, especially in rural areas. I've never had any bad experiences myself but I've had friends be lectured along the lines of "You're a disgrace", "You should be ashamed of yourself" etc. etc. And this was in the recent past! :eek: :mad:

ztoical

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

It would appear the pharmacists are going to give information on side effects and probably advise on STI testing.

Given the still on going thread about codeine regulations and peoples attitudes to pharmacists asking personal questions in it I'm wondering what peoples view point is regarding the MAP....will we have another thread several months from now complaining about pharmacists and how dare they ask any personal questions when they asking for the MAP?

candy-gal1

Great news there! Good to see Ireland finally even half coming into the 21st century without the catholic guilt :rolleyes:

Das Kitty

In fairness we're not that far behind. It's only been available over the counter in the UK in the past 2 years.

xoixo

I had an incident of a condom breaking last night and this morning went to the pharmacy to get the MAP. First pharmacy I went to said they were still clearing up 'regulations' or something so they wouldn't have it in for another couple of weeks. Then tried another in the city centre and first of all - they were quite rude, and secondly - said it cost 30e. I said I thought it was meant to be 10e and they go 'We know that's what has been going around but all the pharmacys in this area are charging 30". So walked out, went to one on the outskirts of the city and got it for 10 (and the woman was absolutely lovely to top it off) and when I told them I'd just been somewhere else and they were charging 30 she was saying that's crazy and didn't know why that was the case.

Anyone know?

liliq

Hate to sound cynical- but they could charge more probably just because they'll get away with it, for a while at least!

I think you're right Liliq,
There will be some that overcharge for as long as they can, and take advantage of the fact that most of the girls who ask for it will be too panicked to shop around.

Nonoperational

They can charge whatever they like, the same way any shop can charge what whey like for a bottle of milk. Shop around if your not happy.

For information purposes the cost price is over €7. If you add in the time to go through the process and tick the boxes and give advice then €10 is excellent value. I know places varying between €11 and €15 for it. Nowhere over that so far.

psycho-hope

Fantasic idea that it is I really think The IPU should hve been a bit more organised, I work in a pharmacy and as of friday we never recevied any information about procedures that were to be followed or if we could sell it to people under 17, the manager found info by chance on the IPU website. So dont be surprised folks if you find some pharmacies arnt selling it yet as they want to have a procedure set up to cover themselves legally

perri winkles

I got the MAP in a chemist in Dundrum over the weekend for 27e!! I didn't realise that you could get it for less.

After going to a clinic before and paying well over 50e for it, I thought 27 wasn't too bad. Good to know though if case (hopefully not) I need it again.

Snoopy1

Ok have to get it today. Should i go to boots in Liffey valley or another chemist?
How much is it going to cost me?