(Published March 2011)

Conclusion

Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe and effective method of preventing unintended pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. The EC environment has changed considerably during the previous decade with the regulatory status for progestin-only emergency contraception pills (ECPs) in the United States shifting from prescription-only to over-the-counter (OTC) for those 18 years of age or older and now to OTC for those 17 years or older. Three dedicated ECPs are now available in the United States, giving women more options to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.

Although the changes have improved access and removed some barriers to the use of EC, they have also created confusion for patients and health care providers. Health care providers play a crucial role in educating themselves and patients about EC. They must be reliable sources of information on EC and its proper use.

Pharmacists are in a particularly unique position to assist patients in need of EC. As frontline providers, they are in a position to offer support on many levels, including counseling patients, helping inform the community, and becoming advocates for improved access.