USA: EC prescription increase in Massachusetts retail pharmacies 

ByCristina Puig

July 2024. In Massachusetts, a standing order policy was introduced in August 2022, to remove barriers to contraceptive prescription. The standing order allows pharmacists to prescribe ulipristal acetate ECPs (which are prescription-only in the US) and LNG ECPs (which are OTC). A study, by Qato et al., aimed at evaluating the association of this policy with ECP fills at retail pharmacies, by assessing changes in fills from July 2021 to December 2023.  The study found a 32% increase in fills, compared to other states, and a notable shift from LNG to UPA prescription.

Access Qato DM, Guadamuz JS, Myerson R. Changes in Emergency Contraceptive Fills After Massachusetts’ Statewide Standing Order. JAMA. Published online July 02, 2024, here and summary of the study findings here.

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