NSW Government ignores TGA advice on oral contraceptives: AMA (NSW)

AMA (NSW) is concerned by the NSW Government’s willingness to prioritise convenience over patient safety.

“The TGA ruled that the risks of allowing pharmacists to supply oral contraceptives outweighs the benefits to women’s health. The Premier is ignoring the considered medical advice of the regulator to pad pharmacy profits at women’s expense,” said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Michael Bonning.

AMA (NSW) has questioned the NSW Government’s decision to allow pharmacists to renew oral contraceptives. The trial is part of a sweeping pharmacy reform plan which will also allow chemists to prescribe antibiotics for urinary tract infections.

“Checking in with your doctor once a year to determine if the oral contraceptive you’re using is still right for you is really important,” Dr Bonning said.

“A clinical assessment allows your doctor to assess the potential risks of using contraceptives which change with age and the development of any other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure which increases your risk of a blood clot.

“It’s also a good opportunity to discuss routine health screening like Pap smears and other concerns, such as sexually transmitted infections,” Dr Bonning said.

The AMA is seeking to work collaboratively with governments to find healthcare solutions that relieve workforce pressures, without compromising patient care. It has put forward an alternative model that would allow medical professionals to work to the top of their scope of practice, but through a team-based model with pharmacists employed in GP practices.

“The Government should be pursuing models that that contribute to the delivery of care in a safe and collaborative way – not reforms that fragment care and lead to negative health outcomes,” Dr Bonning said.

“If the Government wants to improve access to medicines while maintaining safety, it should implement the recommendation of the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee to increase the maximum dispensed quantities on selected PBS items from one month’s supply to two month’s supply,” Dr Bonning said.

AMA (NSW) Media: + 61 419 402 955 | news@amansw.com.au