The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will discuss the issue to consider making the pill available over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription at a meeting today.
Sexual health tests and medicines for controlling heavy periods will also be considered with the regulator saying it was keen to liberalise controls.
Doctors warned the MHRA it should proceed with caution because of potential side effects of the pill. The pill can pose a risk to women who are vulnerable to thrombosis and if it is to be sold over the counter, pharmacists would be expected to check on women’s medical history.