E-DRUG: OC OTC?? (cont)
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In Norway OC-s are currently Prespcription Only, but the Medicines Control
Authority has declared that from a safety point of view they may be OTC.
Currently, the Ministry of Health is considering whether they should be
Pharmacist only (i.e. sold by pharmacist), pharmacy only or sold by e.g.
midwives. The issue is accompanied by a discussion on whether contraceptives
should be free of charge for adolescents (up to 25 years). A decision is
expected soon.
In Sweden, contraceptives are sold or given out free of charge by midwives.
In Sweden midwives are undertaking more tasks in connection with gynaecology
and pregnancy than e.g. in Norway, thus the debate in Norway has had higher
temperature and the doctor's oppose OTC sale.
Recently, the Norwegian Board of Health recommended that the "day after"
pill be sold without prescription by pharmacist. The company is still
considering whether it will market the pill on such a condition.
As long as a drug is on prescription in Norway it will not be sold without
prescription.
Regards Kirsten
Ms Kirsten Myhr, MScPharm, MPH
Bygdoy Alle 58B
0265 Oslo
Norway
Tel: +47 22 56 05 85 (h)
Fax: +47 22 24 90 17 (w) Tel: +47 22 24 90 39 (w)
E-mail: myhr@online.no
or (w): kirsten.myhr@helsetilsynet.dep.telemax.no
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