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Mifegymiso Now More Accessible to Pharmacists in BC
Manufacturer Celopharma no longer requires pharmacists to undergo mandatory training prior to ordering and dispensing Mifegymiso.
Earlier this year, the abortion drug Mifegymiso became available in BC for the first time. The two drug combination provides a non-surgical option for early abortion and is now available to pharmacies.
While the College does not require additional training for the dispensing of Mifegymiso, the drug’s manufacturer, Celopharma, previously required pharmacy professionals to undergo the six-hour Medical Abortion Training Program before allowing them to order the drug.
The Medical Abortion Training Program is intended to train health-care professionals on the safe use of Mifegymiso as well as to help facilitate the registration of trained physicians and pharmacists for the distribution of Mifegymiso. The program consists of six online modules that review scientific evidence on medical abortion and was developed collaboratively by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
As part of a Health Product Risk Communication for Mifegymiso, Celopharma removed its requirement for mandatory training for Pharmacists prior to ordering Mifegymiso.
The removal of this requirement recognizes pharmacists as drug experts and their role in protecting patient safety. It also makes it easier for pharmacies across BC to order the drug and reduces barriers of access for patients who have been prescribed Mifegymiso for a medical abortion.
According to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, only 86 pharmacists in BC had completed the program as of April 2017, with another 153 registered to take it.
While training is no longer mandatory, Celopharma still encourages pharmacists to take the training provided through the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada prior to ordering the drug.
The College’s Code of Ethics requires all pharmacy professionals to practice only within the scope of their education, training and competence. Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians need to be aware of the limitations of their knowledge and expertise and refer as necessary and appropriate.
The Health Canada announcement also noted that a new submission for Mifegymiso is under review by Health Canada. It also recognized that the recommended approach for dispensing Mifegymiso varies by province, with the College of Pharmacists of BC, among other regulators, communicating the options for safely dispensing the drug.
To learn more see Health Canada’s Health Product Risk Communication for MIFEGYMISO released on May 18, 2017.
Links
- Dispensing Mifegymiso in BC – College of Pharmacists of BC
- Medical Abortion Training Program
- Canadian Abortion Providers Support
- Health Product Risk Communication for MIFEGYMISO – Health Canada
- More information on Mifegymiso® from Health Canada
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC – Prescribing Mifegymiso® will require clear and concise communication between physicians, patients and pharmacists
