From Prescription Pad to Pharmacy Shelf: Unveiling the Future of Contraception
Episode 5 · Nov 04, 2024, 05:07 PM
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This article will examine the current state of contraception in the United States, the impact of increased access to contraception on reproductive health outcomes, and opportunities to remove barriers to the use of contraception with the OTC contraception pill.
To view the article and claim CE credit for this activity, click here for pharmacists and click here for pharmacy technicians.
Program Description
When counseling women about contraception, the choice of a contraceptive method is a complex decision that pharmacists play an integral role in by providing product information. The availability of an OTC contraception pill positions pharmacists for a greater role in contraceptive care within community practice settings. Though contraceptive pills have been available for decades, there are several differences between OTC and prescription birth control pills, like dosing schedules, adverse effects, and potential interactions with other medications that patients and pharmacists should be informed about. This article will examine the current state of contraception in the United States, the impact of increased access to contraception on reproductive health outcomes, and opportunities to remove barriers to the use of contraception with the OTC contraception pill. As the number of contraceptive options available continues to grow, it is essential that pharmacists use their skills to counsel and assist patients in decision-making to ensure they can decide upon an optimal method.
Target Audience: Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
Type of Activity: Application
Release date: July 30, 2024
Expiration date: July 30, 2025
Learner level: Foundational
Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
Pharmacists:
Program Description
When counseling women about contraception, the choice of a contraceptive method is a complex decision that pharmacists play an integral role in by providing product information. The availability of an OTC contraception pill positions pharmacists for a greater role in contraceptive care within community practice settings. Though contraceptive pills have been available for decades, there are several differences between OTC and prescription birth control pills, like dosing schedules, adverse effects, and potential interactions with other medications that patients and pharmacists should be informed about. This article will examine the current state of contraception in the United States, the impact of increased access to contraception on reproductive health outcomes, and opportunities to remove barriers to the use of contraception with the OTC contraception pill. As the number of contraceptive options available continues to grow, it is essential that pharmacists use their skills to counsel and assist patients in decision-making to ensure they can decide upon an optimal method.
Target Audience: Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
Type of Activity: Application
Release date: July 30, 2024
Expiration date: July 30, 2025
Learner level: Foundational
Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
Pharmacists:
- Analyze the public health impact of unintended pregnancy in the US
- Identify social, economic, and regulatory barriers that limit access to contraception (including OTC options) for different patient populations
- Differentiate OTC birth control pill options, including progestin-only and combination pills, considering factors such as efficacy, adverse effects, and patient suitability
- Examine counseling on the proper use of and adherence to OTC birth control pills, including strategies for identifying and addressing potential adherence challenges