Emergency contraception: New data from the eHealth Center

The latest data from the eHealth Center for the May-August period provide information on the use of emergency contraception. The largest number of prescriptions for emergency contraception were issued to women aged 31-40, who filled as many as 3402 prescriptions. Younger patients, aged 19-24, reached for contraception 2241 times, and women in the 25-30 age group filled 1762 prescriptions. The lowest demand was among women 50+ (406 prescriptions) and among teenagers (729 prescriptions).

According to the e-Health Center, 1,312 pharmacies have joined the pilot program allowing pharmacists to issue prescriptions for emergency contraception, accounting for about 10% of the total market. In pharmacies that do not participate in the pilot, pharmacists are also allowed to issue pharmaceutical prescriptions, increasing the availability of contraception throughout the country.

Increase in the number of prescriptions written by pharmacists

Data collected for the May-August period show a marked increase in the number of prescriptions issued by pharmacists. More than 11,000 prescriptions have already been issued since the Health Ministry's April 29, 2024 regulation on the reproductive health pilot program went into effect. In May, when the regulation had just taken effect, pharmacists issued 1,279 prescriptions. In June, the number rose to 2812, and in July it reached as many as 3876. August brought another 3277 prescriptions.

The increase in prescriptions can be partly explained by the holiday season, when demand for emergency contraception is particularly high. There is also a marked increase in demand for these drugs on Mondays, suggesting greater activity on weekends.

"Analyzing the pilot data, we see that the demand for emergency contraception increases significantly after weekends. The public need for this service is clearly evident. Introducing a reimbursed service to pharmacies is crucial so that patients can quickly and easily get the help they need." - Nicholas Konstanty, vice president of the Supreme Pharmacy Chamber, notes.

Increase availability of emergency contraception

The pilot program aims to standardize the pharmaceutical consultation process for emergency contraception. The development of uniform guidelines is expected to ensure consistency and high quality of pharmaceutical care across the country.

"Patients are very different and have diverse needs. They often come to the pharmacy with concerns, seeking expert advice and support. Our role is to provide them with reliable information and comfort throughout the consultation process." - concludes Pharm. Olga Sierpniowska, an expert in the Morning OP campaign and a member of the Pharmaceutical Care Standardization Team of the Supreme Pharmaceutical Chamber.

Pharmacists have gained new competencies that allow them not only to issue prescriptions, but also to provide professional reproductive health counseling. As a result, the availability of emergency contraception is increasing, and the quality of pharmaceutical care is improving, adapting to the growing needs of patients across the country.

Source: Press Mat.