Access to the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) in community pharmacies

From 6 May 2024, South Australian women will be able to speak to trained community pharmacists for advice and access to resupply of their oral contraceptive pill without a doctor’s prescription, if they meet certain clinical criteria.

These services complement those already available through other health providers such as general practitioners (GPs), providing access and choice for women to get the health advice and care they need quickly.

Am I eligible for Community Pharmacy OCP Resupply Services?

Speak to your pharmacist about your eligibility for these services.

You may be eligible for the service if you:

• Are aged between 17 to 50 years (inclusive).
• Are taking one of the pills approved for resupply through these services.
• Are not known to be pregnant.
• Have taken the same pill continuously* for two years, as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or other authorised prescribing healthcare practitioner. *If you have had a break from your pill for more than two weeks, but less than four weeks, you may be able to receive a one-month supply, and will be referred to your GP. If you have stopped using it for a month or more, you will be referred to your GP.
• Have had at least one review of the pill within the last two years by a doctor or other authorised prescribing healthcare practitioner.

These services are inclusive of transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary people assigned and/or presumed female at birth.

If you are eligible and have run out of repeats, or your prescription has expired, this means you can still access the pill in a timely way.

If you are not eligible to get a resupply of the pill, the pharmacist will recommend that you visit your GP or other authorised prescribing healthcare professional. They can discuss what type of contraception is right for you and will provide you with a new prescription if recommended.

Which pills can a pharmacist resupply as part of these services?

Your pharmacist can only resupply the same pill that you have been prescribed and will not be able to change the type of pill you are taking. Most contraceptive pills that are available in Australia are included in the service, but some may not be available for resupply.

Do I need to show the pharmacist my original pill prescription?

When you visit your pharmacist, it is helpful to bring in a script or bring in a box of your pill if you can, to help confirm which pill you are requesting. The pharmacist may also check dispensing records or My Health Record to assist.

What can I expect during the consultation? 

Your consultation with the pharmacist will take place in a private consultation room or area. The pharmacist will explain the service and ask for your consent to receive the services and have your information recorded.

The pharmacist will ask about your current pill and any side effects. The pharmacist will also measure your blood pressure, may record your height and weight, and will ask about lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking), and any new medications or changes in your health. This is to determine if resupply of the pill is safe and appropriate, or if you should be referred to your GP for a review.    

You will be provided with a record of the consultation which can be shared with your health provider. In addition, to ensure your GP and other relevant health practitioners know about your treatment, the pharmacist may upload details of any pill resupply to My Health Record. Please let your pharmacist know if you prefer that your details are not uploaded to My Health Record.

How many months’ supply of the pill can the pharmacist give me?

Pharmacists can give you one packet of your pill as part of the service. Some types of the pill include more than one month’s supply of the pill in each packet.

If you are aged 17 to 40 years, the pharmacist can continue to provide you with additional resupply of your pill for up to a maximum of 12 months, if you continue to meet certain eligibility criteria.

What is the cost for these services? 

Pharmacists may charge you a consultation fee for the service, in addition to the cost of any pill provided. You will be informed about consultation and medicine costs prior to the consultation.

Medication supplied as part of the service is not funded by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so costs do not contribute towards the PBS Safety Net. 

People with or without a Medicare card are eligible for the service.

Where can I find a pharmacy that offers OCP resupply services?

You can find pharmacies providing SA Community Pharmacy OCP Resupply Services using the Find a pharmacy website, or contact your local pharmacy directly to see if they offer the service.

More pharmacies will become available over time to deliver this service as more pharmacists undertake the required training.

Where can I learn more about the pill and contraception? 

SA Health recommends that you talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional about which pill is right for you. Visit SA Health or SHINE SA for more information about the pill and choices in contraception.

What if I have questions or feedback about these services?

If you have questions or would like to provide feedback, you can speak to your pharmacist. You may also email:  health.communitypharmacyinitiatives@sa.gov.au