Founder Reflections on 2023

As I reflect on this past year, 2023 finally brought us some wins in reproductive health. And I personally had the opportunity to contribute to landmark steps forward. ⭐️ The FDA made long awaited changes to the mifepristone REMS program to allow pharmacies to dispense the essential medication. I was part of the research team…

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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…

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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…

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5 Pearls from the States Forum on Pharmacist Birth Control Services

The inaugural States Forum on Pharmacist Birth Control Services was recently held in conjunction with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) 2019 Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington. This session was hosted by Birth Control Pharmacist. Most states were represented at the forum with over 60 participants, and there was meaningful discussion on how to make this service not only…

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Payment for Pharmacist Services in California

As of April 2019, California’s State Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, is providing payment for selected pharmacist services. This change is due to legislation (California Assembly Bill 1114) that was passed in 2016. What is covered? Pharmacist services are benefits for eligible fee-for-service Medi-Cal beneficiaries. The following pharmacist services are now covered: Hormonal contraception Immunizations Tobacco cessation…

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5 Things Pharmacists Need to Know About Preconception Health

Pharmacists have great potential to improve preconception health. As they become increasingly aware and involved in providing preconception care, pharmacists can help close the gaps in such care by being advocates for the expansion of their role in preconception health. Here are 5 things pharmacists should know about preconception health: 1. We have a big…

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Pharmacists Provide Contraception for Zika Preparedness

A recent CDC report highlighted that Zika infections are of increasing concern, particularly in the summer travel months. To allow women and families to plan childbearing in the face of this threat, access to contraception is critical. One evidence-based strategy to increase access to contraception in the United States is pharmacist prescribing, wherein patients can go directly to a…

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