The morning after pill, which is commonly called “Plan B”, is now available over the counter to girls 17 years and older. If you are younger than 17 years old then you must still have a prescription to obtain the pill.
On March 23rd, the Federal court made a ruling to make the morning after pill available over the counter instead of a prescription medication. Currently, the judge feels and has requested an order for the morning after pill to be made available to all women regardless of age.
It seems the over the counter morning after pill is catching on. On January 16th Ireland joined the several other countries that are already providing the morning after pill over the counter.
The FDA made a few requirements before they would approve the action to allow the morning after pill to be bought over the counter. The label which contains the instructions, possible side effects and what to expect had to be changed to fit an over the counter medication. Once that term was complied with by the manufacture, it became available in pharmacies and most stores that carry medications. In some cases, the customer has to ask for the pill because it is under lock and key.
The benefits of an over the counter morning after pill are numerous. No woman likes to feel like she made a mistake and by having to ask for the pill for use a prescription some woman feel as if they are being judged and in most cases, it can really do a number on their self-esteem despite the fact it is their choice!
Sources: CNN Health News
http://articles.cnn.com/2009-04-22/health/plan.b.age_1_fda-drug-evaluati...
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