No prescription or GP needed to access pill

THE Victorian government has expanded its Chemist Care Now program.

Through the program, adult women can access the oral contraceptive pill from their pharmacist with a free consultation.

No prescription or GP visit is required. The cost of the medication will be the only thing to be paid for at the counter.

“Expanding access to services through local pharmacies will make a real difference, especially for women living in Ballarat and across regional Victoria,” Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said.

Pharmacists delivering the service have completed a postgraduate training module with an aim to keep women safe.

Before they dispense the medication, pharmacists must undertake a thorough consultation and outline any risks. It must be undertaken in a private consultation room.

The consultations will include advice about other options, including long-acting reversable contraception.

“We’re making life easier and cheaper for Victorians with Chemist Care Now,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

Also from July, Victorians will be able to access treatment for mild dermatitis and acne such as topical retinol and tretinoin.

Acute and mild musculoskeletal pain can now be treated at local chemists.

Highly trained pharmacists can provide determined anti-inflammatory medicines for short-term use, with no GP visit required.

Since its launch, Chemist Care Now has delivered nearly 100,000 services, and 67 per cent of those have been for women.

This has included more than 43,000 treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and more than 20,000 consultations for the resupply of hormonal contraception.

About 27 per cent of pharmacies offering Chemist Care Now are in rural and regional areas.

Chemist Care Now locations can be found at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/chemist-care-now