Holly Bullock1, Sarah Steele2, Nicole Kurata2, Mary Tschann2, Jennifer Elia2, Bliss Kaneshiro2, Jennifer Salcedo2. 1. University of Hawai'i at Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, 1319 Punahou St, Suite 824, Honolulu, HI 96826. Electronic address: bullockh@hawaii.edu. 2. University of Hawai'i at Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, 1319 Punahou St, Suite 824, Honolulu, HI 96826.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine pharmacy availability of ulipristal acetate (UPA) and compare to availability of levonorgestrel-containing emergency contraceptive pills (LNG-ECPs). METHODS: We conducted an observational population-based study utilizing a telephone-based secret shopper methodology. Researchers called all 198 unique retail pharmacies in Hawaii on December 2013-June 2014, representing themselves as patients and physicians. RESULTS: Only 2.6% of pharmacies had UPA immediately available, though 22.8% reported ability to order UPA. In contrast, 82.4% reported immediate availability of LNG-ECPs. No significant difference in availability was reported to patients and physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Availability of UPA is limited and significantly lower compared to LNG-ECPs. The study period did overlap with a change in distributor for UPA, likely capturing some disruption of the supply chain. IMPLICATIONS: Systems-based interventions are needed to address barriers to obtaining UPA.
OBJECTIVE: To determine pharmacy availability of ulipristal acetate (UPA) and compare to availability of levonorgestrel-containing emergency contraceptive pills (LNG-ECPs). METHODS: We conducted an observational population-based study utilizing a telephone-based secret shopper methodology. Researchers called all 198 unique retail pharmacies in Hawaii on December 2013-June 2014, representing themselves as patients and physicians. RESULTS: Only 2.6% of pharmacies had UPA immediately available, though 22.8% reported ability to order UPA. In contrast, 82.4% reported immediate availability of LNG-ECPs. No significant difference in availability was reported to patients and physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Availability of UPA is limited and significantly lower compared to LNG-ECPs. The study period did overlap with a change in distributor for UPA, likely capturing some disruption of the supply chain. IMPLICATIONS: Systems-based interventions are needed to address barriers to obtaining UPA.
Authors: Anna Glasier; Sharon T Cameron; Diana Blithe; Bruno Scherrer; Henri Mathe; Delphine Levy; Erin Gainer; Andre Ulmann Journal: Contraception Date: 2011-04-02 Impact factor: 3.375
Authors: Anna F Glasier; Sharon T Cameron; Paul M Fine; Susan J S Logan; William Casale; Jennifer Van Horn; Laszlo Sogor; Diana L Blithe; Bruno Scherrer; Henri Mathe; Amelie Jaspart; Andre Ulmann; Erin Gainer Journal: Lancet Date: 2010-01-29 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: P G L Lalitkumar; Cecilia Berger; Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson Journal: Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab Date: 2012-10-11 Impact factor: 4.690
Authors: Sally Rafie; Rebecca H Stone; Tracey A Wilkinson; Laura M Borgelt; Shareen Y El-Ibiary; Denise Ragland Journal: Integr Pharm Res Pract Date: 2017-03-23
Authors: Bernhard Langer; Sophia Grimm; Gwenda Lungfiel; Franca Mandlmeier; Vanessa Wenig Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-09-15 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Michelle C Chan; Sarah Munro; Laura Schummers; Arianne Albert; Frannie Mackenzie; Judith A Soon; Parkash Ragsdale; Brian Fitzsimmons; Regina Renner Journal: CMAJ Open Date: 2021-11-30