Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9932

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Camp SL, Wilkerson DS, Raine TR.
The benefits and risks of over-the-counter availability of levonorgestrel emergency contraception.
Contraception 2003 Nov; 68:(5):309-17
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0010782403002269

Abstract:

Removing the prescription requirement for Plan B will help ensure that the product plays a larger role nationally in the reduction of unintended pregnancy and abortion-important public health goals. Over-the-counter (OTC) sale of Plan B should present no serious safety issues. OTC consumers are able to understand and follow the instructions for proper use of Plan B. Efficacy of the OTC product is likely to be the same as, or better than, the prescription product, given more timely access to treatment. Based on the results of a growing body of literature and foreign marketing experience, the risk of unintended health consequences also appears to be minimal. There is no evidence to suggest that American women will abuse Plan B as an OTC product.

Keywords:
Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic/supply & distribution* Contraceptives, Postcoital/supply & distribution* Drugs, Non-Prescription/supply & distribution* Female Humans Legislation, Drug Levonorgestrel/supply & distribution* Pharmaceutical Services Risk Assessment United States