Canadians will have easier access to plan B

A new National Drug Schedule change will move single-dose 'plan B' (levonorgestrel), an emergency contraceptive pill, to Schedule III from Schedule II. This means that now pharmacies may choose to move it from behind the counter to the same pharmacy self-selection area where otehr Schedule III medicines are sold. Changes to the National Schedules are automatically adopted by some provinces like Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta... some provinces and territories will decide on their own thether or not to adopt the scheduling change. Women's group want plan B more accessible. They argue that consulation fees and personal questions by pharmacists are a barrier to patients getting the emergency contraceptive pill. However, some pharmacy groups don't like the change. They say pharmacists offer valuable services, such as determining when Plan B is not appropriate...and counselling on birth control and sexually transmitted infections. Regardless of its schedule status, pharmacists should continue to encourage patients to discuss Plan B. Ask important questions discretely, create a private conuselling area, counsel patients about birth control options, finally try to limit questions to needed information.