Western Australian women will soon be able to get a resupply of the oral contraceptive pill at their local participating pharmacy as part of a new program where eligible women can get a resupply for up to 12 months at a time.
Patients aged between 16 and 17 years can access up to four months’ supply as an extension of their original prescription.
“The new service is a game changer for thousands of women who need another repeat or whose prescriptions have expired. I’m pleased to see pharmacists and GPs are working together on this collaborative approach that will improve access to primary care for WA women,” Premier Roger Cook said.
The Pharmacist Resupply of Oral Contraceptive Pills Pilot enables pharmacists to supply a combination or progestogen-only contraceptive pill to eligible women who:
- are aged between 16 to 39 years;
- have taken the pill continuously for two years, as prescribed by a GP or nurse practitioner;
- are taking a low-risk oral contraceptive pill for contraceptive purposes; and
- are deemed safe by the pharmacist to continue taking the pill.
Participating pharmacists are required to complete additional training to provide an informed assessment before issuing a resupply of the pill for a period of up to 12 months.
For more complex cases, pharmacists will refer patients to a medical practitioner for further investigation and tests and women eligible for the resupply of the pill will need to see their GP for a prescription at the end of the 12-month period.
“The pilot follows the urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis and treatment service launched in pharmacies last year, giving women an alternative option especially after hours and over the weekend,” WA Health Minister, Ms Amber-Jade Sanderson explained.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) WA President Kristian Ray welcomed the pilot announcement.
“WA has now joined the majority of Australian states and territories giving women greater autonomy and choice when it comes to accessing oral contraceptives,” Mr Ray said.
“It shows how pharmacists working together with GPs and other healthcare professionals can improve the care we provide, relieving strain on our healthcare systems in a safe and efficient way.”
With compulsory training now available, Mr Ray encouraged pharmacists across the state to take up the opportunity.
“The oral contraceptive pilot is a new opportunity for pharmacists to develop new skills, underpinned by quality education and training and best-practice care,” he said.
“The oral contraceptive pilot isn’t just about expanding our scope of practice; it’s about ensuring that every individual receives the care and support they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.”