Abstract
Objective
Emergency hormonal contraception (EC) has the potential to reduce the number of unintended
pregnancies and induced abortions, but many barriers to more prevalent usage exist.
We evaluated one aspect of access ��� pharmacy availability of levonorgestrel EC (Plan
B) or alternatives ��� in Jacksonville, FL.
Method
Female ���secret shoppers��� presented in person and by telephone to pharmacies in
Jacksonville, FL, and inquired if Plan B would be available if they were to return
with a prescription. Availability of the medication, as well as offers of EC alternatives
or alternate methods of obtaining EC, was noted. Furthermore, pharmacist and pharmacy
staff knowledge regarding appropriate use of the product was assessed.
Results
Of 54 pharmacies visited by secret shoppers, 21 (39%) had Plan B in stock and were
willing to dispense it. Sixteen pharmacies (29%) could order it and have it available
within 24 h, or knew of nearby pharmacies that stocked the medication. Neither Plan
B nor other EC options were offered by 17 pharmacies (31%). One hundred thirty-three
pharmacies, including those that were visited in person, were contacted by telephone.
Forty-two (32%) of these had Plan B in stock. Another 22 pharmacies (17%) offered
to order Plan B for availability within 24 h or less. Furthermore, 11 pharmacies suggested
other stores that were more likely to carry it. Of 40 pharmacy staff members asked
how long following unprotected intercourse a patient had to take the product, 20 (50%)
correctly stated 72 h.
Conclusion
Plan B was not in stock in a majority of pharmacies within this large city. Availability
was increased by offers to order the medication or by suggestions to seek the prescription
at nearby pharmacies. Many pharmacists and their staff were unfamiliar with the medication
and its correct usage.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 30, 2006
Accepted:
September 6,
2006
Received in revised form:
August 31,
2006
Received:
August 10,
2006
Footnotes
���No external funding was received to support this project.
������Disclosure: Dr. Kaunitz is a consultant to Duramed and owns stocks in Walgreen's.
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
