This guidance outlines clinical considerations that a pharmacist must take into account when supplying this medicine without a prescription for emergency hormonal contraception. It also includes information and advice that should be given to the patient if a supply is appropriate, as well as guidance on when it is necessary to refer the patient to another healthcare professional, service or organisation.
In July 2014, the HPRA issued
Emergency
Contraception - New information on levonogestrel (Levonelle, Norlevo,
Tyedra, Levonogestrel Teva) and ulipristal (ellaOne), which
highlights the outcome of a review by the European Medicines Agency
which concluded that levonogestrel and ulipristal are suitable emergency
contraceptives for all women, irrespective of body weight.
In 2016, the European Medicines Agency completed a review of levonorgestrel
1500mcg tablets and the effect of liver enzyme inducers (some medicines
used to treat epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV, fungal infections and herbal
remedies containing St John’s Wort) on the efficacy of hormonal
contraception. The review provided new recommendations for woman
seeking emergency contraception who have used liver enzyme inducers in
the preceding 4 weeks. The PSI Guidance has been updated in light of
these new recommendations; the updated sections of the guidance are
highlighted in grey (Version 4, December 2016). Please see our
Practice Updates for additional information.