HRA Pharma plans to launch the first type of contraceptive pill* available to women in the UK without a prescription after a consultation with a pharmacist, following reclassification by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
This authorisation may make it easier for some women to access and therefore use regular oral contraception, giving women more contraceptive options without needing a doctor’s appointment. It also signals the growing role pharmacists are playing in front-line patient care.
The switch, which was authorised on 8th July 2021, will see the progestogen-only pill desogestrel 75 micrograms become available for women in pharmacies without a prescription. Desogestrel, which is the second most prescribed oral contraceptive in the UK,[i] is proven to be more than 99% effective, when used correctly.[ii] HRA Pharma’s 75 microgram desogestrel pill will be branded as ‘Hana’ and will be available from pharmacies later this month.
Every woman wanting to buy Hana from a pharmacy will be required to have a consultation with the pharmacist first to ensure it is appropriate to supply desogestrel, according to each woman’s specific situation. Pharmacists are already well-versed in providing contraception, whether regular daily contraceptives currently dispensed with a prescription, or emergency contraception, which is already a P medicine.
Pharmacies will be supported by comprehensive training ahead of launch. The three-module training programme will comprise information and guidance in assessing risk and identifying patient suitability to enable pharmacists to confidently provide consultations. It will be available online and as hard copies, and there will also be a supplementary supply checklist.
As a leader in female reproductive healthcare, HRA Pharma has been working to broaden women’s access to contraception worldwide since its inception in 1996, having pioneered the launch and subsequent reclassification of ellaOne emergency contraception, including the delivery of award- winning pharmacy training.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare have reported that access to contraception in the UK has been affected by funding cuts and fragmented commissioning of sexual and reproductive services in recent years, a situation that has been worsened by COVID-19.[iii] By making a daily contraceptive pill available in pharmacy, there is another avenue women can use to access contraception.
The move towards pharmacy-led provision of contraception has been widely supported by the medical community, including the Royal College of GPs, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.
Frédérique Welgryn, Chief Strategic Operations & Innovation Officer, at HRA Pharma said: “We firmly believe that regular contraception should be widely and easily accessible to women, allowing them to make contraceptive decisions on their own terms. We are delighted to be leading the way, leveraging our expertise in women’s health and contraception, to help make this a reality for thousands of women following the efforts to achieve the reclassification of desogestrel.”
Deborah Evans, Pharmacist, Managing Director and Founder Pharmacy Complete commented: “The reclassification of the progestogen only pill from POM to P, is an exciting opportunity for pharmacists working in the community to further demonstrate their clinical capability and support women to obtain contraception when it is convenient for them.”
“Whether initiating or continuing supply, pharmacists are well placed to empower women to make the choices that are important to them, increasing access at an important time. The future for pharmacy is in supporting the public’s health and providing more clinical services; the switch by HRA Pharma for the progestogen-only pill is significant for pharmacy and the women using our services.”
HRA Pharma has confirmed that the launch plans are underway, with training and stock available to pharmacies over the coming months. The launch will be supported by a significant above-the-line media investment, which will include television and digital advertising.
