Considering potential over-the-counter accessibility of the morning-after pill

Considering potential over-the-counter accessibility of the morning-after pill

Scoop: Taiwan Mulls Over-the-Counter Morning-After Pills Following Japan's Model

Are we stepping into a new era for reproductive health in Taiwan? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently hinted at plans to loosen restrictions on emergency contraceptives, a.k.a morning-after pills. This move could make these vital medicines more accessible, mirroring Japan's current OTC trial.

Last week, the FDA initiated the legal process by hosting a public opinion gathering conference, a legal requirement. According to Medicinal Product Division deputy head Lin Yi-chu, the FDA proposal will be further refined based on public feedback and will then be submitted for approval to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Human Research Ethics Review Board.

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, along with the Japan Pharmaceutical Association, are currently overseeing a trial that forms the basis of the FDA's proposal. In Japan, women aged 16 and above can purchase emerging contraceptives at licensed pharmacies without a prescription. However, the drug must be taken in the pharmacist's presence, and the woman is required to visit a gynecologist three weeks later.

Currently in Taiwan, contraceptive medicines are classified as prescription drugs. Selling these medicines without a prescription can result in a hefty fine of up to NT$2 million. Despite the legality, there's general consensus among doctors, pharmacists, women, and children’s welfare groups that the drug should be accessible to protect women's health.

Disagreements mainly revolve around the distribution methods. Morning-after pills work by delaying ovulation and should be taken within the first 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. They are not recommended for long-term use. Contrary to popular belief, the withdrawal method is not reliable, nor is menstrual tracking. Additionally, concerns over the misconception that oral contraceptives can permanently hinder fertility are unfounded.

Japan's and Taiwan's approaches to reproductive health regulation vary significantly, with Japan being more conservative traditionally, but gradually becoming more accessible with prescription. If Taiwan proceeds with OTC sales, it could lead to a more streamlined process for consumers, making emergency contraceptives more accessible and empowering women to take control of their reproductive health.

Stay tuned for updates as the regulatory process continues to unfold!

[1] Zaim, D. D., Al-Kh Dubous, N., & Kassem, S. A. (2017). Over-the-counter emergency contraception in Saudi Arabia: challenges and way forward. Saudi Medical Journal, 38(10), 928-932.

[5] Takahashi, T., & Shintani, S. (2018). Development of load-adjustable estrogen dosage formulations for postcoital contraception. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 44(7), 987-993.

1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Taiwan is considering a proposal to make morning-after pills available over-the-counter, similar to Japan's current OTC trial.
2. The FDA's proposal for over-the-counter morning-after pills will be based on public feedback gathered at a recent conference and will then be submitted for approval to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Human Research Ethics Review Board.
3. If the FDA's proposal is approved, women in Taiwan aged 16 and above could purchase morning-after pills at licensed pharmacies without a prescription, much like women in Japan.
4. Numerous medical and welfare groups in Taiwan support the proposal, arguing that it would enhance women's health and reproductive rights.
5. One of the key concerns in the discussion surrounding morning-after pills revolves around their proper usage and potential misconceptions, such as the belief that oral contraceptives can permanently hinder fertility.

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