Emergency Contraceptive Pills Sales Remain Unchanged
Clarification from CDSCO
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has confirmed that the sales and distribution of Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs), such as i-Pill and Unwanted-72, will not change. This announcement comes after media reports suggested a potential rule change requiring prescriptions for these pills.
Understanding the Current Rules
Currently, some contraceptive drugs like Centchroman and Ethinylestradiol are classified under Schedule ‘H’, requiring a doctor’s prescription. However, certain strengths of these drugs, including DL-Norgestrel and Levonorgestrel combinations, are listed under Schedule ‘K’, allowing them to be sold without a prescription.
Proposed Amendments
The proposed amendment aims to clarify these regulations, ensuring that the strengths listed under Schedule ‘K’ remain available without a prescription. The amendment will add a clarifying statement to Schedule H, stating that drugs in entry no. 15 of Schedule K are not covered by Schedule H.
Conclusion
CDSCO emphasizes that there is no proposal to change the non-prescription status of these drugs, and the sales and distribution of ECPs will continue as usual.
Doubts Revealed
CDSCO -: CDSCO stands for Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. It is an Indian government agency responsible for regulating the safety and quality of drugs and medical devices in India.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills -: Emergency Contraceptive Pills, like i-Pill and Unwanted-72, are medicines that can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if a regular birth control method fails. They are meant to be used in emergencies and not as a regular form of birth control.
i-Pill and Unwanted-72 -: i-Pill and Unwanted-72 are brand names of emergency contraceptive pills available in India. They are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse and are available over-the-counter without a prescription.
Prescription-only sales -: Prescription-only sales mean that a person needs a doctor’s prescription to buy certain medicines. However, the CDSCO has clarified that emergency contraceptive pills like i-Pill and Unwanted-72 will not require a prescription and can still be bought directly from a pharmacy.
Over-the-counter -: Over-the-counter means that you can buy a medicine directly from a pharmacy without needing a doctor’s prescription. Emergency contraceptive pills like i-Pill and Unwanted-72 are available over-the-counter in India.
