Pharmacists can provide “valuable support” to women using the UK’s first self-administered contraceptive injection, its manufacturer has said.

Pfizer said pharmacists could play an "important role" in advising women on the Sayana Press drug, approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for self-administration last week (September 24).

The contraceptive – which doctors and nurses have been able to administer to patients since 2013 – should be injected into the anterior thigh or abdomen every 13 weeks.

Allowing patients to self-administer the contraceptive for a 12-month period will reduce the need for repeat visits to a GP surgeries or clinics – saving time and money, the manufacturer said.

A role for pharmacists

In the information leaflet for Sayana Press, Pfizer encourages users to consult with a pharmacist or doctor if they notice any side effects or need guidance on disposing of the contraceptive.

Patients should first self-administer the contraceptive under the supervision of a healthcare professional, once the patient has been “trained in proper injection technique and administration schedule”, it stressed.

Women should also be “reevaluated periodically as clinically appropriate” to determine whether Sanya Press is still the best treatment option, Pfizer said.

The 104mg-dose of the contraceptive works by lowering levels of estrogen and other hormones, Pfizer said. Clinical trials had shown Sayana Press to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when administered every 13 weeks, it claimed.
 

Would you feel confident in advising patients on this contraceptive? 

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