Spring Break
Over-the-counter emergency contraceptive sales spike
Tina Arons
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: La Vida
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When it comes to avoiding pregnancy, an increasing number of women are turning to an emergency contraceptive called Plan B, which some professionals attribute to the drug's over-the-counter availability and to an almost 900 percent increase in the cost of some birth control.
"We use to give out a lot of Plan B prescriptions, because you had to go see a doctor," said Dr. Kelly Bennett, medical director of Tech's Student Health Services. "Now, people will generally go to the pharmacy or grocery store closest to them."
In August 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the emergency contraceptive drug Plan B, also referred to as the "morning-after pill," as an over-the-counter option for women aged 18 and older.
Sales of the drug have tripled since its over-the-counter release, said Barr Pharmaceuticals spokesperson Heather Ioset.
She said the ability to drive to the pharmacy and pick up a pack of the pills equates to "one less barrier."
Barr Pharmaceuticals reported an increase in its 2008 third-quarter earnings for its trademarked product sales, which brought in $133 million, about $8 million more than the same quarter last year. According to its Web site, the pharmaceutical company attributes the increased sales in part to Plan B and other contraceptives it produces.
Tony Thornton, CEO of Planned Parenthood in Lubbock, said the clinic has seen an increase of sales of emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B, since it became an over-the-counter drug, but the availability may not always be a good thing.
"Plan B is a temporary emergency contraceptive and not for continued use," he said. "And emergency contraception was never designed to be a birth control method."
Thornton said the clinic monitors how many times a person purchases the drug within a certain period of time and, if it becomes too frequent, a clinic worker will council the person to consider a birth control prescription.
Although oral contraceptives could be used for the same purpose, Bennett said, emergency contraceptives differ from its daily-dose cousins.
Emergency contraceptives contain the hormone trogestin, whereas birth control contains two hormones: trogestin and estrogen.
She said birth control primarily does two things.
"It stops ovulation if it's about to occur," Bennett said, "and it makes the uterus and the tubes inhospitable to sperm."
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Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 12
Lon Newman
posted 11/21/08 @ 8:35 AM CST
Plan B contains a synthetic progestin hormone Levonorgestrel and does not contain estrogen.
All of our patients receive Plan B in advance of need because there are many circumstances (condom breaks, missed pill, delayed depo shot, etc. (Continued…)
KT
posted 11/21/08 @ 11:04 AM CST
Buy two pills to keep in reserve--one for you and an extra for friends--and restock as soon as one is gone. The longer you wait to take the pill after intercourse, the less effective it will be. (Continued…)
James P
posted 11/21/08 @ 1:08 PM CST
I believe you mean "progestin" not "trogestin." Please do some basic research, you represent your school.
A Man, A Plan, A Canal, PAnaMA
posted 11/21/08 @ 1:15 PM CST
I'm always astounded at how closed-minded some "liberal" people can be about the beliefs and lifestyle choices of others.
Maybe a pharmacist actually has a firm religious conviction regarding the respect for human life. (Continued…)
KT
posted 11/21/08 @ 3:12 PM CST
It's the difference between having an opinion and imposing that belief on others. As a woman, I never chose to have a functional uterus. Pro-life people can choose to find a line of work that will not require them to enable behaviors they find immoral. (Continued…)
Business Opportunities
posted 11/22/08 @ 2:09 AM CST
It sounds like poor people caanot afford to use birth control and avoid having babies.
rise to vote sir
posted 11/23/08 @ 5:19 AM CST
"It's the difference between having an opinion and imposing that belief on others."
From my perspective you have just as much right to ask as they have to say no. (Continued…)
KT
posted 11/23/08 @ 8:43 PM CST
Alright, perhaps they can compromise by promising to put signs on their doors as long as people in under-served areas are guaranteed access. Like I said, I'm really not that interested in changing anyone's opinion about BC or female sexuality. (Continued…)
BC
posted 11/24/08 @ 8:35 AM CST
As to the issue of the pharmacist not selling or protesting a woman buying EC, I think it is important to remember that it is not their place to do that behind the counter of a pharmacy. (Continued…)
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