Pharmacists face probe into Pill sales

By Terri-Liza Fortein

The Pharmaceutical Society is investigating pharmacists who regularly supply emergency contraceptives to schoolgirls below the age of consent.

Previously the Pill had to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex but a more potent version can be taken up to 120 hours later to prevent pregnancy.

Emergency contraceptives - or morning after pills - can lead to deep vein thrombosis and strokes.

The medication often causes nausea and vomiting, disrupts the menstrual cycle and should not be given to patients with a history of blood clots.

Medical organisations are concerned about the misuse of the medication which is meant to be used in emergencies only and not as a regular contraceptive measure.

Medicines Control Council (MCC) registrar Mandisa Hela said: "The Pharmaceutical Society will investigate and may invoke disciplinary action where necessary against any unethical behaviour."

The use of the product will also be closely monitored and the balance between access and risk will be assessed by the MCC.

The South African Pharmacy Council was also concerned about underage teens accessing medication.

"If a child younger than 14 years approaches a pharmacist for a morning-after pill they must be accompanied by either a parent or a legal guardian," said Amos Masango, the registrar at the South African Pharmacy Council.

"Morning after pills are being abused and it has gotten worse since the awareness about the pills has grown," said teenager Sylvia Mohale, a Love Life volunteer in Orange Farm.

Mohale added that many of her peers havd an irresponsible attitude towards sexual activity and became concerned about pregnancy only after irresponsible sexual encounters had taken place.

However, he added that condom use had increased.

"There has been a steady increase in condom use among sexually active young people, even teenagers.

"About 60 percent of those aged between 15 and 24 who are sexually active say they used a condom the last time they had sex."

• This article was originally published on page 5 of The Pretoria News on March 03, 2008