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GYN: OCP is OTCFrom: art fougner, md (evsono@pipeline.com)Mon Mar 15 06:28:30 2004
Seattle pharmacies to offer birth control without prescription Contraception March 15, 2004 2004 MAR 15 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Eight Seattle, Washington, pharmacies have begun an experiment in which as many as 300 women ages 18 to 45 will be allowed to purchase contraceptives without a prescription. In a University of Washington experiment that began February 23, 2004, participants may obtain the pill, contraceptive patches, or vaginal rings without an appointment or prescription at four drugstores in the city of Seattle, three in the suburbs to the south of the city, and one east of Lake Washington. After completing a health questionnaire and answering some questions, they may buy a 3-month supply of contraceptives, a process expected to take no more than half an hour. The questionnaire covers medical conditions, weight, and smoking habits, any of which could disqualify a woman from nonprescription purchases. To assess the chance of pregnancy, the questionnaires also cover recent sexual activity. Women also must have their weight and blood pressure checked and will be asked about their medical histories to assure that birth control is medically appropriate. The study is the first of its kind in Washington, the first state to allow over-the-counter sale of emergency contraceptives known as "morning-after pills." Researchers plan to spend a year evaluating the experiences of participating women and pharmacists. If the results are positive, the study could lead to wider easing of restrictions on the sale of birth control. One question is whether women will feel comfortable with the questionnaire, questioning, and lack of a doctor in the process. Another is whether the process will be too time-consuming for pharmacists. Why do it? One reason is that the hours of medical clinics where prescriptions are given "may not coincide very well" with many women's work days, university spokeswoman Pam Sowers said. "This is offering an opportunity that some women need," Sowers said. "This will make up for their overcrowded schedules." Most participating pharmacies, half in the locally-owned Bartell chain and half at Fred Meyer, a subsidiary of Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger Inc., are open until 9 p.m. during the week and 5 p.m. or later on Saturdays and Sundays. One, a Bartell, is open 24 hours daily. This article was prepared by Managed Care Weekly Digest editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2004, Managed Care Weekly Digest via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net. ©Copyright 2004, Women's Health Weekly via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net http://www.obgyn.net/newsheadlines/womens_health-Contraception-20040315-12.asp art
-- art fougner, md ich bin ein New Yorker
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