An online pharmacy offers an overnight pill for just over five dollars. British doctors warn that it must remain an emergency contraception.
The pill does not go well in the United Kingdom. A British online pharmacy, Chemist 4 U, now offers emergency contraception at an unbeatable price across the Channel: 4.99 pounds, or about 5.60 euros. This is a generic version of Levonelle (Levonorgestrel), known in France as Norlevo.
The news was initially well received because it showed a certain progressive spirit on the question of contraception. But, quickly, the debate escalated. First of all, associations of ethics of reproduction (Catholics) criticized the offer, believing that this accessibility would transform the morning-after pill into “home” contraception.
The website allows you to buy up to three boxes in a period of six months. Until now, they were only distributed on a unit basis, by a storefront pharmacist, after a quick consultation with the practitioner. It is also possible to obtain it in public clinics, or from the equivalent of family schedules.
Paradigm shift for the pill
For doctors, this new sales method poses several problems. Not necessarily on the financial side, since the UK Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) had rightly called for the morning-after pills to be sold cheaper. He had recommended that its price be halved, from around £ 30 to £ 15.
It is rather the mode of sale that worries. It would encourage its use as a one-time method of contraception, rather than as emergency contraception. The delivery time encourages to order a pill (or more) in advance, and to count on it in the event of possible unprotected intercourse.
No consultation
This method of distribution also prevents consultation with the pharmacist, responsible for reminding patients of the conditions of use – in emergencies only – and the contraindications of the morning after pill.
Dr Shamir Patel, pharmacist and director of Chemist 4 U, defends himself. “We always advise women in an emergency situation to go to the nearest pharmacy the same day, rather than one day waiting for the receipt from an online pharmacy,” he explains, before admitting that he considers it wise to have a stock of morning-after pills in advance in his medicine cabinet, just in case …
In France, the morning-after pill costs on average less than € 10. For minors, it is available free of charge in school infirmaries, pharmacies or family planning, upon simple declaration of age and without proof. For adult women, the prescription is not necessary, but it allows reimbursement by health insurance.
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