ACT pharmacy trial expanded to include some oral contraceptive pills

Release date: November 16, 2023

Canberrans already using oral contraceptive pills can get their contraceptives back at one of five participating pharmacies as part of a new trial.

Under the pharmacy trial, led by NSW Health in partnership with Newcastle University, people aged 18 to 35, after consulting a participating pharmacist, may be able to get their next pill if:

• Taking existing birth control pills for contraceptive purposes; and
• Continuous prescription of low-risk oral contraceptive pills by a physician or nurse practitioner within the past two years.

The initiative expands on a current trial in which pharmacists provide medication to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said pharmacists were playing an increasingly important role in the health system.

Minister Stephen-Smith said: “Pharmacists provide a critical service to the community as trusted and accessible health professionals.”

“They are often the first point of contact for consumers and caregivers and are important contributors to our health care system.

“Having pharmacists provide certain low-risk medicines when it is safe to do so is one way to provide Canberrans with more timely medicines and treatments and reduce pressure on primary health care providers and emergency departments.

“Trained pharmacists taking part in the trial will be able to have conversations with eligible Canberrans to determine if they can provide the medication, or if the person needs to see a doctor or nurse practitioner.

“The ACT Government recognizes the important role pharmacists play in the healthcare system and welcomes the opportunity through this trial to learn how this role can be safely expanded to benefit the community.”

The five pharmacies participating in the trial are:

• Capital Chemist Charnwood
• Jinxi Discount Pharmacy
• Petrie Pharmacy (Citizen)
• Erindale Pharmacy
• Pharmasave Woden Pharmacy

For more information about oral contraceptive pills or pharmacy prescription trials for uncomplicated UTI, visit www.health.act.gov.au/pharmacy-Trial

Earlier this year, the ACT Government also expanded the range of vaccines that pharmacists can administer in the ACT without a prescription. ACT pharmacists can now administer vaccines to certain age groups:

• Coronavirus disease
• influenza
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria, tetanus, cellular pertussis (dTpa)
• human papilloma virus
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Meningococci (ACWY only)
• polio
• Typhoid fever
• herpes zoster virus

Quote from ACT Pharmacy Guild Branch President Simon Blacker:

“This is a big step forward for Canberra women aged 18 to 35, who can refill their oral contraceptive prescriptions at five participating community pharmacies across the ACT, at a time that suits them,” the Pharmacy Guild ACT Branch Chair,” said Simon Black. “This is a great example of community pharmacy working with GPs and other health professionals to increase access and unblock the health system in a safe and effective way, treating common Health status. “

The ACT has now joined New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria in re-supplying oral contraceptive pills to women through community pharmacists. Community pharmacy in the ACT is ready for community pharmacists to use their full scope of practice to do more for patients’ health and we look forward to working further with the ACT Government on this. “

– End of statement –

Rachel Stephen Smith, MLA | Media Release

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