Oral Contraceptive Pill Trial available at select NSW stores only
About the NSW Pharmacy Trial
From September 2023, eligible women in NSW can visit one of more than 1000 pharmacies to receive a resupply of their oral contraceptive pill (the pill) as part of the NSW Pharmacy Trial. If you meet the following criteria, eligible women can receive a resupply of their lower-risk oral contraceptive pill at a participating pharmacy: being female, aged between 18 to 35 years (inclusive), and taking the pill for contraception purposes only (to prevent unplanned pregnancy). If you were prescribed a low-risk oral contraceptive pill in the last two years by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner. If you have run out of repeats, or your prescription (script) has expired but was issued in the last two years, you are still eligible. Not all oral contraceptive pills will be available.
What is an oral contraceptive pill (the pill)?
The oral contraceptive pill, commonly known as "the pill," serves as a pregnancy prevention method and is administered in tablet form.
Low-risk pills contain minimal levels of estrogen or solely consist of progestogen.
While the pill is generally safe for most women, it's worth noting that estrogen has been associated with a very slight risk of blood clots and strokes.
What are the risks of taking the pill?
The pill is generally safe for most women; however, there exists a minimal risk associated with it, including:
- Occurrence of blood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis.
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke in women, particularly if they smoke, have diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- It is crucial to have a discussion with your doctor regarding the potential risks of taking the pill, taking into account factors such as your age, medical history, family medical history, and lifestyle. It's important to remember that the pill may not provide absolute protection against unplanned pregnancy, and it does not safeguard against sexually transmitted infections.
There are alternative, longer-acting contraceptive options available that can offer higher reliability in preventing unplanned pregnancies. You can consult with a pharmacist, your GP, or a nurse practitioner to explore these alternatives.
How many months supply of the pill can the pharmacist give me?
Pharmacists can dispense a single packet of your oral contraceptive pill during each visit. Certain types of these pills contain more than one month's worth of supply in each packet. If you meet the eligibility criteria under the NSW Pharmacy Trial, your pharmacist can supply you with additional pill refills for up to 12 months beyond your initial prescription.
Do I need to show the pharmacist my original script for the pill?
No, it's not mandatory, but it's helpful if you can bring in the pill packaging to indicate what you've been using.
In the event that your prescription has lapsed, you may not meet the eligibility criteria, as one of the supply conditions requires that you haven't taken a break from taking the pill since your last consultation with the prescribing doctor or nurse practitioner.
Book an appointment
Bring your E-consent validation code
FAQ - Oral Contraceptive Pill
For more information on the NSW Pharmacy Trial for the Oral Contraceptive Pill, please visit the NSW Health Frequently Asked Questions on their website.