Availability of ulipristal acetate: A secret shopper survey of pharmacies in a metropolitan area on emergency contraception.

OBJECTIVES

To assess levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA) availability in pharmacies in a metropolitan area.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted of all identified pharmacies within 25 miles of an urban medical center in Kansas City, KS. We categorized the pharmacies as dedicated commercial (national chains), store-associated (affiliated with a general merchandise or grocery store), or independent. We assessed LNG and UPA availability or time to availability if not currently stocked.

RESULTS

We contacted 165 pharmacies. Of the 165 pharmacies, few stocked UPA (12/165, 7%) whereas the majority stocked oral LNG (128/165, 78%). Dedicated commercial pharmacies were more likely to carry UPA than store-associated and independent pharmacies (11/84 [13%] vs. 1/61 [1%] vs. 0/20, respectively; P = 0.016). Most pharmacies that did not stock UPA reported that they could obtain it within 24 hours (94/153, 62%). Dedicated commercial pharmacies were most likely report the ability to obtain UPA in 24 hours (P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Few pharmacies stock UPA, the most effective form of oral emergency contraception. Enhanced communication between medical providers and pharmacists within current laws and regulations could enhance patient access to UPA.