Photo: AFP
Thousands of people will find it easier to get long-acting contraceptive implants without making a return trip to the GP under a new proposal by Pharmac.
The drug-funding agency is asking for feedback on allowing patients to get the Mirena or Jaydess devices immediately from the doctor or nurse prescribing them.
Pharmac's clinical lead - medicines management, Melissa Copland, said under the current system, people needed to get a prescription, pick it up from a pharmacy, and then bring it back to the clinic to get it placed.
"We know that this extra step can lead to delays and barriers to accessing contraceptive devices for some people.
"Funding the Mirena and Jaydess devices on the Practitioners Supply Order (PSO) list will make it faster and easier for New Zealanders to access these devices and make access consistent with other long-acting contraceptives."
Clinics could already order their own supplies of the Jadelle implant under the PSO - but Pharmac was considering increasing the number they were allowed.
"We have been told that some clinics place a large number of Jadelle implants each week. These clinics often have to make multiple orders, which can take a lot of time," Copland said.
"This is why we are proposing to increase the number of Jadelle that clinics can order on PSO, as it will reduce how many orders need to be made and save these clinics time."
The agency estimates about 21,000 patients could benefit from the proposed changes.
Consultation closes on 25 April, and if the decision is approved, changes could take effect from 1 July.
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