By: Marie Huang<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
Back in December, the FDA was overruled by the presidential administration to make Plan B (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) an over-the-counter (OTC) medication.1<\/sup>\u00a0 We became interested in the matter, and asked our fellow students if Plan B should be available to people of all ages directly off of drugstore \/ supermarket shelves without a prescription.\u00a0 We found that an overwhelming majority of students preferred the current model \u2013 patients should present identification that states that they are ><\/span> 17 years of age.\u00a0 We were able to get in touch with two students from opposing sides of the debate.<\/p>\n Alexandra Alleva, a 5th<\/sup> year PharmD candidate, provided us with the following insight: \u201cThe decision to maintain Plan B as inaccessible without a prescription to minors is, in my professional opinion, the most appropriate action at this time. \u00a0From the pharmacist\u2019s perspective, there is the issue of offering the proper medication counseling, for which our field is well qualified.\u00a0 Allowing adolescents the access to Plan B (without age restrictions) would not only deprive them of this vital person-to-person component, but it also increases the risk of medication misuse that this demographic is already prone to experiencing. \u00a0Plan B is not devoid of side effects, and when considering the young age of this group, it is imperative that they know the correct dosing and instructions for effective contraception.\u00a0 Another issue I find with \u201crestriction-free\u201d OTC Plan B is from the perspective of the purchaser, who could translate the convenience into lesser ramifications.\u00a0 This type of contraception is a last resort and not like other OTC products. \u00a0With the fragility of this subject matter, certain restrictions can help them evaluate their decisions more gravely and less haphazardly, and allow them time to weigh their choices accordingly. \u00a0Unintentional childbearing at that age not only affects the mother, but it contributes to far-reaching societal and national problems for our economy and healthcare systems. \u00a0The current model is encouraging; potential users of Plan B need to educate themselves on taking other precautions before having to rely on medication a convenient resort. \u00a0Holding Plan B \u2018behind the counter\u2019 and as a prescription for those under age 17 will channel patients through the physician and pharmacist outlets, where the much-needed guidance, reinforcement, and healthcare services can be provided.\u201d<\/p>\n Amy Findakly, also a 5th<\/sup> year PharmD candidate, provided us the following: \u201cI believe Plan B should be accessible to girls who find themselves in these kinds of difficult situations, including those under 17. \u00a0Young girls deal with the challenge of teen pregnancies, and shows like \u201cTeen Mom\u201d and \u201c16 and Pregnant\u201d document it. \u00a0Although this is definitely a very controversial subject, Plan B can remedy accidents, such as contraception failure, and can keep these girls on the same track they were on prior to the incident. \u00a0It should ultimately be the girl\u2019s decision, of course; as we have learned, Plan B is a safe method of emergency contraception. \u00a0I feel that it should be accessible to those who seek it.\u201d<\/p>\n SOURCES:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n