Abstract
Background: Worldwide the availability to Hormonal Contraceptives (HC) varies from over the counter (OTC) to prescription-only access. In various countries pharmacists are allowed to prescribe HC, although conditions may be different. In Switzerland, HC require a prescription from a physician, although Swiss law allows pharmacists to dispense prescription-only medications in justified exceptional cases without a valid physician’s prescription. This study aimed to identify current dispensing practices for HC in Swiss pharmacies, pharmacists’ knowledge about HC, and their opinion and interest about expanding access to HC. Methods: Web-based survey among Swiss pharmacists. Results: This survey was completed by 397 registered pharmacists and 331 (83%) were included for analysis. The survey showed that 21% of respondents regularly dispense HC without prescription and that a high number of participants are either very interested (57%, n = 189) or rather interested (33%, n = 110) in extended pharmacy access to HC. The majority did not or rather not support physician’s prescription-only status (77%, n = 256) or OTC availability (94%, n = 310). Furthermore, surveyed pharmacists are willing to train for contraception services (90%, n = 299). According to participants, resistance of physicians is the most relevant barrier to this service (88%, n = 292). Conclusion: Surveyed pharmacists are interested in extended access to HC.
Highlights
Enovid®, the first combined oral contraceptive, was approved by the FDA in 1960 [1]
In several countries Hormonal Contraceptives (HC) are already available in pharmacies, conditions may vary from over the counter (OTC) availability to pharmacist prescribing
A total of 397 pharmacists participated in this study, which corresponds to around 7% of pharmacists receiving the printed and electronic communications with the link to the survey
Summary
Enovid® , the first combined oral contraceptive, was approved by the FDA in 1960 [1]. The benefit–risk ratio of HC has been continuously improved and advantages outweigh disadvantages for most patients [2] Serious complications, such as venous thromboembolism or brain and myocardial infarction, are rare in women of reproductive age [3,4]. Theoretical safety concerns and outdated guidelines still restrict best practice and timely access to effective contraception [2,5]. In several countries HC are already available in pharmacies, conditions may vary from over the counter (OTC) availability to pharmacist prescribing. Worldwide the availability to Hormonal Contraceptives (HC) varies from over the counter (OTC) to prescription-only access. In various countries pharmacists are allowed to prescribe HC, conditions may be different. This study aimed to identify current dispensing practices for HC in Swiss pharmacies, pharmacists’ knowledge about HC, and their opinion and interest about expanding access to HC. Results: This survey was completed by 397 registered pharmacists and 331 (83%)
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