Contraceptive pills without a prescription

In a landmark moment for women in Britain, Boots UK has announced that progestogen-only contraceptive pills will soon be available across its network of more than 2,300 stores and online at boots.com, without a prescription.

The announcement follows the reclassification of the two progestogen-only pills, Hana and Lovima, from prescription-only medicines to pharmacy medicines, allowing them to be available over the counter.

Boots has hailed the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) decision to reclassify these contraceptives as one of the most important milestones for women’s heath in decades, 60 years after the invention of modern birth control.

“The reclassification of the progestogen-only pill is a landmark moment in the history of women’s health in the UK, making contraception more accessible,” comments Bernadette Lavery, pharmacy director at Boots UK. “Boots has been supporting and empowering women for more than 170 years, and this continues as we make these medicines available without a prescription in the coming weeks.”

Women across the UK will soon be able to access the contraceptives from Boots after having a private consultation with a pharmacist, who will advise if it is suitable for them. If patients decide to purchase either of the contraceptive pills via boots.com, they will be required to fill out an online form, which will be subject to clinical review and pharmacist approval.