Many docs favor OTC access to ‘morning-after’ pill

The majority of physicians in a recent national survey support over-the-counter (OTC) availability of the emergency contraceptive pill Plan B, but with age restrictions.

The New Jersey-based marketing and communications research company HCD Research surveyed 724 physicians regarding Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc.‘s Plan B “morning-after” contraceptive. Plan B contains high doses of progestin, to interfere with ovulation or prevent fertilization of an egg if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, according to the manufacturer.

Survey results showed that 53 percent of the physicians were in favor of OTC distribution, 39 percent favored prescription only, whereas 8 percent felt that it should not be distributed at all.

“Doctors in general did not think Plan B needs to be regulated too much overall,” Dr. Craig Alter told Reuters Health. A pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Dr. Alter serves as consulting medical director for HCD Research.

“Many physicians feel that, if it’s going to work, you can’t have a lot of barriers to it,” he added.

Only 32 percent felt that there should be no age restrictions on OTC distribution. The remaining 68 percent agreed with the FDA proposal that patients younger than 16 must obtain prescriptions from a health care provider.

Sixty-eight percent believed that OTC access would significantly reduce unwanted pregnancies, and 58 percent would themselves take Plan B to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure or sexual assault.

The survey results also showed that 55 percent believed safety was not an issue.

“Whatever risk there might be to emergency contraception, it’s probably less than the risk of having a pregnancy occur,” Dr. Alter said.

Print Version
Tell-a-Friend