THE availability of first-line oral emergency contraceptives in Australian community pharmacies is concerning, with a national survey revealing that nearly one-third of pharmacies do not stock the ulipristal acetate pill, according to Flinders University.
The study found that only 70% of the 233 pharmacies surveyed stocked ulipristal acetate emergency contraceptive (EC) pills, compared to 98% for levonorgestrel.
Ulipristal acetate was significantly less available in rural and remote areas and was more expensive when stocked.
"Despite evidence that unintended pregnancies are more common among those living in rural and remote areas, this highlights a clear equity issue," researchers stated in the journal Contraception.
"Despite medical guidelines recommending it as the first-line oral emergency contraceptive, ulipristal acetate is less likely to be available and is more expensive," said A/Prof Luke Grzeskowiak of Flinders University and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.
He suggested that government subsidies might be necessary, as medication costs range from $26 to $80.
First author Tahlee Stevenson from the University of Adelaide, highlighted the need to understand why pharmacies are not stocking ulipristal acetate.
Factors such as low consumer awareness, higher prices, or a lack of understanding among pharmacy owners about evidence-based recommendations could be influencing this issue.
Stevenson emphasised the importance of addressing these factors to ensure timely and cost-effective access to preferred emergency contraceptive methods.
She noted that by only stocking levonorgestrel, pharmacies might hinder their ability to follow clinical guidelines, affecting consumers' access to suitable EC options. JG
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