For the first time in the UK, people will now be able to purchase progestogen-only contraceptive pills without the need for a prescription.
The announcement from Boots follows the reclassification of two progestogen-only pills, Hana and Lovima, which are commonly referred to as the mini pill or POP.
The retailer announced it's set to sell the pills from its UK pharmacies and online, giving those who need them an increase in choice and more ways of accessing the necessity.
The pills which contains 75mg desogestrel, can be purchased after a consultation with a pharmacist who will advise if it's suitable, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
However if purchased at Boots.com, the patient will be required to fill out a form online which will be subject to clinical review and pharmacist approval.
Desogestrel is safe for most to take and will still be available free of charge from a doctor, commissioned services and sexual health clinics.
The UK’s leading health and beauty retailer hailed the MHRA’s decision as an important milestones - 60 years after the invention of modern birth control.
If purchased from Boots, Hana will be priced at £9.95 for a one-month pack and £21.95 for a three-month pack. Lovima will be priced at £14.99 for a one-month pack and £29.99 for a three-month pack.
Dr Edward Morris, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) added: "We are delighted that all those who need the progestogen-only oral contraceptive pill (POP) can now go into their local pharmacy and access it without needing a prescription."
