Updated Advice On Emergency Hormonal Contraceptive (EHC )
December 31, 2006 – 10:44 am | posted in Sexual Health / STDsIn response to the recent news coverage on the Emergency Hormonal Contraceptive (EHC), and the announcement of Marie Stopes International and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) to support the advance supply of EHC, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) has issued the following updated advice on EHC:
The RPSGB is not against the advance supply of EHC in principle.
If faced with a request for an advanced supply of EHC, pharmacists should use their professional judgement to consider the clinical appropriateness of the supply.
It is advised that pharmacists take in to account the following counselling points in advance supply consultation:
– Declining repeated requests for advance supply and advising clients to seek more reliable methods of contraception.
– Providing reminders to ensure that any prospective use of EHC is safe, effective and appropriate:
– Read the patient information leaflet again before taking the product to ensure that it is still suitable for you
– EHC efficacy decreases with time and will only be effective if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex/intercourse or failure of a contraceptive method
– IUDs can be fitted up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or within five days of expected ovulation
– Pregnancy is a contraindication for EHC. If you have had unprotected sex which was more than 72 hours ago, and since your last period, you may already be pregnant and the treatment won’t work. Refer to your doctor or pharmacist for advice’
Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
www.rpsgb.org
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