LONDON, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to today's announcement of a Healthcare Commission-regulated website selling contraceptive pills online, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) recognises that there are some benefits to such a service. When used safely and appropriately, online access to medicines and healthcare advice can offer benefits to patients in terms of convenience and accessibility, especially for people who are busy and can not get to the doctor.

However, it is important that patients undergo necessary health checks, such as blood pressure monitoring and weight measurement, when taking contraceptive medicines; a service offered by many pharmacists. Pharmacists can also provide advice and support on sexual health such as prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia testing, and supply of emergency hormonal contraception and condoms. Often they have private consultation areas where patients can discuss their problems confidentially.

Pharmacists are among the most accessible of healthcare professionals. Research has shown that the vast majority of the public has easy access to pharmacies: 99% of the population can reach a community pharmacy by car, by walking or by public transport within 20 minutes, and there is no need for an appointment. Pharmacies are often open at convenient times, such as evenings and weekends when GP surgeries are closed.

Priya Sejpal, Head of Professional Ethics at RPSGB, said: "The RPSGB welcomes any initiative that supports self-care. However, as with all medicines, contraceptive pills can have complications and side-effects. It is important that anyone prescribed contraceptive pills is monitored and has regular health checks to ensure that the product is suitable for them. Anybody who is unsure about their medicine should speak with their local pharmacist for advice."

Notes to Editors

- The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is the professional and regulatory body for pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales. It also regulates pharmacy technicians on a voluntary basis, which is expected to become statutory under anticipated legislation. The primary objectives of the Society are to lead, regulate, develop and represent the profession of pharmacy. The Society leads and supports the development of the profession within the context of the public benefit. This includes the advancement of science, practice, education and knowledge in pharmacy. In addition, it promotes the profession's policies and views to a range of external stakeholders in a number of different forums. Following the publication in 2007 of the Government White Paper Trust, Assurance and Safety - The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century, the Society is working towards the demerger of its regulatory and professional roles. This will see the establishment of a new General Pharmaceutical Council and a new professional body for pharmacy in 2010.

For media enquiries please contact the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain's Public Relations Unit, +44(0)20-7572-2336