Contraceptives stay on script
May 28, 2014
THE New Zealand Medicines
Classification Committee has
recommended that selected oral
contraceptives should not be
reclassified from prescription to
pharmacist only.
The proposed reclassification was
for desogestrel, ethinylestradiol,
norethisterone and levonorgestrel
in certain circumstances (PD 24
Feb).
The Committee said 15 premeeting
comments were received,
including seven opposing the
reclassification.
While the Committee agreed that
women having the opportunity
to get their oral contraceptive
from a pharmacist would be more
convenient and that there was
potentially an unmet need for
the supply of oral contraceptives
without a prescription, the major
problem with the application was
the lack of collaborative work with
GPs, which likely caused gaps in the
proposal, and that “the emphasis
appeared to be entirely on offering
opportunities to pharmacists rather
than improving the availability of
primary care.”
The Committee also said several
members had concerns that
fragmentation of care could lead to
poorer continuation of care.
“In conclusion, the Committee
agree that the proposed
reclassification could work with the
appropriate degree of coproduction
and collaboration, and would be a
significant driver for integration.
“However the current application
did not reach that target.”
To read the decision, CLICK HERE.
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