'Hana', a progesterone-only contraception pill is now available across health and beauty retailer Superdrug's online platforms after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved two contraceptive pills for reclassification from POM’s to P meds.
In the UK, women will be able to purchase Hana without a prescription, after a consultation with a trained pharmacist. At Superdrug, Hana is priced at £8.95 for one month’s supply and £19.75 for the three months online.
The company said its pharmacy teams are currently undertaking training on the new contraceptive pill, Hana, so they are in a position to be able to safely supply it at Superdrug’s 200 pharmacies.
Dr Sara Kayat, Superdrug’s health ambassador, comments: “This expansion in access to contraception is extremely welcomed. Progesterone only contraception is both safe and reliable, and making it over the counter allows for a more efficient process, improves convenience, and reduces the burden on other healthcare providers. Making contraception more widely available is a significant opportunity to empower more women to take control of their own sexual and reproductive healthcare.”
Michael Henry, Superdrug’s healthcare director said: “This landmark decision by the MHRA is a big step forward in removing some of the barriers that are faced when trying to obtain a contraceptive pill. The pandemic has made it even harder to access essential contraception and so this decision should be celebrated.
"It is important to note that there will still be a need to have a consultation with a healthcare professional so that the choice can be an informed one. We’re committed to making healthcare as accessible and affordable as possible, and the landmark decision by the MHRA allows us to continue to support people’s personal health.”
Cat Smith, Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre