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Updated CDC Contraception Guidelines
On August 6, 2024, the CDC released the 2024 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) and the 2024 U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use (U.S. SPR). These documents provide current evidence-based contraception recommendations for health care providers. The goals of the U.S. MEC and the U.S. SPR are to support the…
How Pharmacy Students Can Advocate for Pharmacist Prescribing of Hormonal Contraception
Can pharmacy students advocate for pharmacists prescribing hormonal contraceptives? YES, that is exactly what Wilson Pace, a graduate of the University of Utah College of Pharmacy did. When Wilson heard about the barriers and costs that women experience when accessing contraceptives. His perseverance and dedication to advocacy as a pharmacy student allowed him to take action…
Society of Family Planning Annual Meeting Highlights
The Society of Family Planning (SFP) annual meeting was held virtually on October 1st and 2nd this year with well over one thousand attendees. For those who are not familiar with SFP, it is a community of like-minded people including clinicians, academics, residents, fellows, and students who share the same interest for family planning. SFP…
Present and Future Pharmacist Roles in Medication Abortion Care
Although there are currently restrictions on the ways that patients can obtain a medication abortion, this many soon change and pharmacists will be an important part of access.
A Primer on Reproductive Justice for Pharmacy Professionals
A pharmacy student reflects on what she learned from “Sex & Gender 101” — a gender-inclusive series designed to show learners how to take the first steps to providing care that addresses the specific needs of LGBTQI+ patients. This series includes a glossary of terms, resources for further study, and a “cheat sheet” for providers interacting with patients across the gender spectrum.
Reproductive Health During COVID: Eliminating FDA’s Burdensome Barriers to Mifepristone
What is Mifepristone? Mifepristone is the primary component in the FDA-approved regimen taken to terminate pregnancies through 10 weeks gestation and is seen as an alternative to a surgical procedure.1 Many patients view this as less invasive, allowing for more privacy and control over a personal situation. The standard oral regimen includes mifepristone 200mg followed…
Can Contraceptives be Vegan? Important Considerations for Vegan Patients
The Vegan Society defines veganism as “a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose”. Since veganism extends beyond just a diet for avoiding animal products, awareness of medication ingredients is also a…
Measuring Blood Pressure: An Important Prerequisite to Prescribing Hormonal Contraception
Why is it important to measure blood pressure before prescribing hormonal contraception? Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are a relatively safe and effective method for your patients in preventing pregnancy and treating other disease states such as menorrhagia, endometriosis, PCOS and more. However, CHCs may increase the risk for a few serious cardiovascular events. This risk…
Effectiveness of Hormonal Contraceptives in Patients with Higher Weights
Introduction Obesity is becoming more prevalent every year and as pharmacists, it is important to revisit current contraceptive options for these patients. Overweight patients are defined as having a BMI ranging from >25-29.9 kg/m2 and obese patients a BMI >30 kg/m2. Currently there are no safety contraindications in patients with a BMI > 25 kg/m2…
No Taxation for Menstruation: The Importance of Student Pharmacist Advocates
At the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, the APhA-ASP chapter’s inaugural Women’s Health Campaign hosted multiple events to educate and engage student pharmacists and the Ann Arbor community. While our Campaign focused on topics directly related to pharmacy, such as contraception and HPV vaccination, we have also taken the initiative to advocate for a…