Availability and Accessibility of Emergency Contraception: Misunderstood, Understocked and in Need of Plan A [7G]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: For emergency contraception (EC) to be effective, it has to be readily available. Thus, in 2013 the FDA approved EC Levonorgestrel (LNG) for sale over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription or age limit. Although requiring a prescription, Ulipristal acetate (UPA) approved in 2010 for EC may be more effective than LNG in certain circumstances. We sought to determine the accessibility of these EC medications at pharmacies in the Lehigh Valley Area of Pennsylvania (population 850,000). METHODS: Phone surveys were conducted of Corporate and Independent pharmacies. Only the pharmacist or pharmacy tech provided information about availability, age requirements and accessibility of EC. Corporate and Independent pharmacies were compared using chi squared test with appropriate correction. RESULTS: The EC survey included 104 Corporate (CorP) and 26 Independent pharmacies (IndP) in the prescribed area. EC was in stock in 95/104 (91%) of CorP and 14/26 (54%) of IndP (p<.001). UPA was in stock at 12/104 (11%) of CorP and none of the IndP (p=.15). Age restriction was noted in 24/104 (23%) of CorP and 8/26 (31%) of IndP (p=.58). LNG over the counter location was found in 75/104 (72%) of CorP and 2/26 (8%) of IndP (p<.001). CONCLUSION: Although regional differences may apply, the availability/accessibly of EC is not ideal. Although the corporate pharmacies appear better than independents, the lack of UPA is a concern. Physicians should be aware of the availability of EC in their area.