Updates to Safe Contraceptive Prescribing Guidance

Some important updates regarding safe contraceptive prescribing/ supply in the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive use (UKMEC)

Gold-standard guidance on contraceptive safety in the UK has recently been updated, with some important changes that pharmacists should be aware of.

The guidance is the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive use (UKMEC), produced by the College of Sexual and Reproductive Health (CoSRH), which guides on the relative safety of any given contraceptive method depending on the individual’s risk factors

Key Important Points for Community Pharmacy

Four areas have been added to the UKMEC; multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic kidney disease (CKD), sickle cell trait and the use of e-cigarettes. 

• The use of e-cigarettes carries an increased risk of thrombosis (arterial for e-cigarettes).
• The new document states: ‘UKMEC does not include use of e-cigarettes as there is insufficient evidence to establish associated risks. However, given the unknown long term cardiovascular risks with e-cigarettes alternatives to Combined Oral Contraceptives (COC) should be prioritised.’
• The use of e-cigarettes is often not coded at the GP surgery, so in practice, it is important to ask anyone using COC if they vape.

Patients are often concerned about the possibility of hormonal contraception affecting their mood.

• Counsel patients with pre-existing anxiety or depression to monitor their mood when starting hormonal contraception.

A more detailed summary can be read here:

Updates to safe contraceptive prescribing guidance – key points for pharmacists - The Pharmacist