Minister Dosanjh Announces Regulatory Changes to Allow Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg (Plan B) to be Sold Without a Prescription

News Release

OTTAWA, April 20, 2005 -- Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh today announced an amendment to the Food and Drug Regulations permitting Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg, also known as the "morning after pill," to be sold without a prescription. "Women who need this product must have access to it very quickly or it will not be effective," said Minister Dosanjh. "Allowing the product to be sold without a prescription will ensure that it is available when needed." Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg is an emergency contraceptive that can help prevent pregnancy up to three days after unprotected sex and is most effective if taken within 24 hours. The product has been available in most provinces with a doctor's prescription except for Quebec, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, which already permit access to the product through pharmacists. Health Canada's decision to exempt Plan B from being sold only by prescription was made following an extensive review of clinical evidence and safety data on the product. Health Canada also undertook extensive consultations that included publication in Canada Gazette Part I on May 22, 2004. Comments were received from health organizations, women's health groups, provincial and national associations representing physicians, nurses and pharmacists, and the public. This amendment came into force April 19 and is scheduled to be published in Canada Gazette, Part II on May 4, 2005. - 30 - Media Inquiries: Health Canada Jirina Vlk (613) 957-2988 Adèle Blanchard Office of the Minister of Health (613) 957-0200 Public Inquiries: (613) 957-2991

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2016-12-15

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Minister Dosanjh Announces Regulatory Changes to Allow Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg (Plan B) to be Sold Without a Prescription

News Release

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