In a UK first, women will be able to access some types of daily contraceptive pills in pharmacies without a prescription.
Currently, contraceptive pills are only available via a GP appointment, however in the future, only a consultation with a pharmacist will be required.
Lovima and Hana, two 75 microgram progesterone-only contraceptives, have been reclassified by The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The MHRA’s decision to reclassify the products also follows a safety review by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM).
The progesterone-only pills contain desogestrel and can be taken safely by women who cannot use the standard contraceptive pill, which contains oestrogen.
Dr June Raine CBE, chief executive of the MHRA, said: “Pharmacists have the expertise to advise women on whether desogestrel is an appropriate and safe oral contraceptive pill for them to use, and to give women the information they need, to make informed choices.”
However, many other types of daily contraceptive pills, including the combined progesterone-oestrogen tablets, will still require a prescription.
Michelle Riddalls, chief executive of consumer healthcare association PAGB, described the decision as “an historic milestone for women”.
A GP appointment will no longer be required to obtain some contraceptive pills (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
She said: “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.”
Dr Edward Morris, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) agreed.
He said: “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.
Being able to obtain contraception over the counter is thought to make it more accessible (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“This announcement is a huge win for women and girls who will no longer face unnecessary barriers when accessing this type of contraception.”
He added that even before the pandemic, many women were struggling to access basic feminine health services, resulting in an increased number of unplanned pregnancies.
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