Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 8, 2025

High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Accessibility of emergency contraception for adolescents in Quebec community pharmacies
Katie Soper1, Giuseppina Di Meglio2
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Objective:
Access to effective contraceptives, including emergency contraception (EC), is critical to reducing unintended adolescent pregnancy. This study evaluates the accessibility of Ln-EC (levonorgestrel EC) for adolescents in Quebec community pharmacies.
Methods:
We conducted an anonymous self-administered electronic survey of Quebec community pharmacists between June 1, 2016 and October 31, 2016. Pharmacists were asked about the availability of Ln-EC in their pharmacy, whether they prescribed Ln-EC, and their experience with adolescents who requested Ln-EC.
Results:
Five hundred and ninety-one pharmacists responded, with representation from across the province. Ninety-five per cent had Ln-EC in stock. Most pharmacists (90%) reported being comfortable prescribing Ln-EC, though they were less comfortable prescribing to adolescents than to adults (*P<0.001). Pharmacists also reported that cost and confidentiality are barriers to accessing Ln-EC for some adolescents.
Conclusions:
This study indicates that availability and pharmacist comfort are not likely to be barriers to Ln-EC use for adolescents. On the other hand, cost and/or confidentiality do represent a barrier for some adolescents. This study lays the groundwork for a national study examining the accessibility of EC for adolescents.
More Related Videos
08:43A Fluorescence-based Lymphocyte Assay Suitable for High-throughput Screening of Small Molecules
Published on: March 10, 2017
14:13Detecting Estrogenic Ligands in Personal Care Products using a Yeast Estrogen Screen Optimized for the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory
Published on: January 1, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Stability-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence