Most pharmacists have had MAP requests
09.05.11
Most pharmacists have had MAP requests
[Posted: Mon 09/05/2011 by Deborah Condon - www.irishhealth.com ]
At least eight in 10 pharmacists have had requests for the morning after pill since the medication became available in pharmacies without a prescription earlier this year, a new survey by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has revealed.
In January, the Boots pharmacy chain made the formerly prescription-only emergency contraceptive pill available over the counter (OTC). This new service was launched under a patient group direction (PGD), which Boots claimed allowed its pharmacists to provide a range of clinical services, including medical treatments.
However, after seeing the demand for this service, the pharmaceutical company, HRA Pharma, lodged an application to have its morning after pill, NorLevo, made available OTC. In February, the Irish Medicines Board approved the sale of NorLevo as an OTC medicine and this ruling came into effect immediately.
Source: Irish Health