Rumors have been circulating about potential changes to the rules regarding the over-the-counter sale of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) in India. These rumors stemmed from media reports suggesting that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) was considering requiring a prescription for these medications. However, CDSCO sources have emphatically stated that these reports are inaccurate and that there will be no change in the current sales and distribution of emergency contraceptives like i-Pill and Unwanted-72.
The confusion arose due to a proposed amendment to the Drug Rules, specifically concerning Schedule H and K drugs. Schedule H drugs, which include certain contraceptives such as Centchroman and Ethinylestradiol, require a prescription from a doctor to be sold. Schedule K drugs, however, include specific strengths of contraceptives like DL-Norgestrel, Levonorgestrel, Centchroman, Desogestrel, and Levonorgestrel, which are available without a prescription. The proposed amendment aims to clarify the distinctions between these schedules, ensuring consumers have a clear understanding of which contraceptives require a prescription.
The CDSCO has emphasized that there is no proposal to move any contraceptives from the non-prescription to the prescription category. This means that emergency contraceptive pills will continue to be available over-the-counter without the need for a doctor’s prescription. The proposed changes are intended to improve clarity and provide better guidance for consumers, not to restrict access to essential medications.
