Pharmacist FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Pharmacists on "Dial EC"
Q: A woman asked me what "Dial EC" was and I did not know. What is it?
A: Since PlanB® has recently been approved for over-the-counter sale to women 18 and older, Dial EC allows women in North Carolina under 18 to receive a prescription for emergency contraception pills (EC) over the telephone. EC is used to prevent pregnancy up to 5 DAYS after unprotected sexual intercourse, though they are more effective the sooner they are taken. Plan BTM is the brand name of the emergency contraceptive pill marketed in the US.
Dial EC has a toll free number (1-866-942-7762) that a woman who wants EC can call. Trained personnel provide counseling on contraceptive methods and collect relevant medical information. A licensed clinician then reviews the chart, and if the patient is medically eligible for EC, a prescription will be called or faxed into a pharmacy near her. Dial EC is open 6 days a week, Monday - Saturday. Spanish-speaking staff are available.
Dial EC Services for women under 18 cost $25. Women 18 and older (with valid ID) can purchase PlanB® for $25 at Planned Parenthood Health Centers in Chapel Hill or Durham.
The goal of Dial EC is to increase prompt access to EC. Currently, women in our state may be unable to see a doctor who will prescribe EC DURING THE WEEKEND OR within the 5 DAY time limit. Once they receive the prescription it may be hard to find a pharmacy that has the medication in stock and this is critical because it is a time sensitive drug. This service is intended to fill a gap and help prevent unintended or unplanned pregnancies in this state.
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Read several FAQs regarding Plan B® here.
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Q: What is the latest info on the availability of Emergency Contraception/"Plan B®"?
A: On August 24, 2006, the FDA ruled that EC may be sold by pharmacists to women age 18 or over without a prescription. EC must be stored behind the counter, and the pharmacist must obtain suitable proof of age prior to dispensing to a patient without a prescription. Sales to women age 17 or younger require a valid prescription.
The FDA’s press release may be found here: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01436.html.
The FDA has also issued a “Q&A” guidance document, which is found here: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/planB/planBQandA20060824.htm.
Additional information, including the FDA’s memoranda of approval may be found here: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/planB/default.htm.
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