British drug regulators have approved two brands of contraceptive – Lovima and Hana to be available without written prescription. Branded a “historic milestone for women's health”, the move is the first of its kind since the Pill was first licensed 60 years ago. Both brands will be available for all women of child-bearing age, including teenagers who meet the criteria for supply.
The decision comes after a safety review and public consultation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier this year. MPs say the change will reduce risk of unplanned pregnancies and abortions, and relieve some pressure from GP surgeries and sexual health clinics. Consumer healthcare association PAGB welcomed the move. Its chief executive Michelle Riddalls said, “Making these progestogen-only contraceptive pills available without prescription in the UK is a historic milestone for women and women's health. This is the first time that any form of daily contraceptive pill has been licensed for over-the-counter sale in the UK, 60 years after the pill was originally offered by the NHS – initially to married women only.”
They added, “Enabling women to buy the progestogen-only pill in pharmacies will be particularly beneficial at a time when accessing sexual health services has become more challenging in parts of the UK because of pressure on NHS resources and the Covid pandemic.” The MHRA, meanwhile, said that for women under 18, and especially under 16 years of age, who wanted the Pill it remained “essential to establish that the girl is not being exploited or abused.”
The progestogen-only Pill prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg. It needs to be taken reliably every day and is 99 per cent effective if taken correctly.
Public health minister Jo Churchill said, “This landmark reclassification, which was widely supported by women and healthcare professionals in the recent consultation, will enable women to purchase a progestogen-only contraceptive from a pharmacy following a detailed consultation with the pharmacist. This will provide an additional route to access for those seeking contraceptive services and will help to reduce the pressure on GP surgeries and sexual health clinics with the potential to reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies and abortions.”
They added, “Pharmacists already provide a range of services in the area of sexual and reproductive health and are trained practitioners who are experienced in checking eligibility for all the products they supply.”
