You can order the pill online without a prescription for the first time

Until now, accessing the contraceptive pill meant waiting to book an appointment with your GP, going in to have a chat, getting a prescription and taking it to the pharmacy.

Now, you can simply order the pill online or pick up a packet over the counter.

It comes after changes to regulations were announced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier this month, meaning you don’t need a prescription to access the progesterone-only pill Hana.

Boots and Superdrug have both added the Hana to their websites and in store.

However, it does mean you will have to pay, whereas any contraceptive pill you access through a prescription is completely free.

At Boots, a one month supply costs £9.95 or £21.95 for three months, and at Superdrug it’s £8.95 for one month and £19.75 for three.

To get a box, you will have to provide answers to a checklist, which will be reviewed by a pharmacist to ensure it is suitable for you to take.

The MHRA also approved Lovima to be sold without prescription but it is not yet on sale.

You will still need a prescription for all other types of pills, including the combined pill, which contains estrogen.

Dr Sara Kayat, Superdrug’s Health Ambassador, said: ‘This expansion in access to contraception is extremely welcomed. Progesterone only contraception is both safe and reliable, and making it over the counter allows for a more efficient process, improves convenience, and reduces the burden on other healthcare providers.

‘Making contraception more widely available is a significant opportunity to empower more women to take control of their own sexual and reproductive healthcare.’

Michael Henry, Superdrug’s Healthcare Director added: ‘This landmark decision by the MHRA is a big step forward in removing some of the barriers that are faced when trying to obtain a contraceptive pill.

‘The pandemic has made it even harder to access essential contraception and so this decision should be celebrated.

‘It is important to note that there will still be a need to have a consultation with a healthcare professional so that the choice can be an informed one.

‘We’re committed to making healthcare as accessible and affordable as possible, and the landmark decision by the MHRA allows us to continue to support people’s personal health.’

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