What is an oral contraceptive pill (the pill)?
The oral contraceptive pill, often called 'the pill', prevents pregnancy. You take this as a tablet.
What is a low-risk oral contraceptive pill?
Low-risk pills contain only small amounts of the hormone estrogen, or only contain progestogen.
The pill is safe for most women, however estrogen has been linked to a very small risk of blood clots and stroke.
Where can I get additional information about the pill?
NSW Health recommends that you talk to your doctor about which pill is right for you.
These Family Planning NSW fact sheets have more information about the:
I am not 18 yet, why can't I use this service?
If you are younger than 18 years of age, it is important that you check in with your doctor regularly.
Your doctor will guide you on the best contraceptive method for you. If the doctor recommends the pill, they will provide you with a prescription that you can take to the pharmacy.
I am older than 49, why can't I use this service?
For some people the potential health risks of taking the pill may outweigh the benefits.
For safety, if you are over 49 years of age it is best to speak to your doctor regularly to check for cardiovascular and other health risks.
Your doctor will provide you with a new prescription if the pill is right for you.
What happens if I am not eligible to use this service?
If you are not eligible to get a resupply of the pill, the pharmacist may recommend that you visit your doctor or nurse practitioner.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner can discuss what type of contraception is right for you. If they recommend the pill, they will provide you a new prescription.
Pharmacists are also able to supply some oral contraceptive pills (under Continued Dispensing arrangements) as well as provide emergency contraception (sometimes called’ the morning after pill’).
Talk to your pharmacist if you are in this situation for guidance.
Do I need to show the pharmacist my original prescription for the pill?
No, but if you can please bring in a box, past script or other record to show what you have been taking.
What will the pharmacist ask me during the consultation?
The pharmacist will ask you:
The pharmacist will also take your blood pressure and record your height and weight.
The pharmacist is checking that you are eligible to get your resupply of the pill at the pharmacy and that it is safe for you.
How will the personal information I provide be used and kept safe?
To receive treatment from the pharmacist you will need to provide your name, date of birth, contact details and doctor (GP) name, if you have one.
You will also need to give your consent to receive treatment, if deemed appropriate, and consent for the pharmacist to share your consultation details with your GP.
Any information you provide in your consultation must be stored by the pharmacist using secure digital software, for a period of seven (7) years.
What types of contraception are included in this service?
This service currently includes a select range of oral contraceptive pills but may be expanded to other methods in the future.
Which contraceptive pills can a pharmacist resupply?
A qualified pharmacist can resupply some Combined Oral Contraceptive pills (COC) and Progestogen-Only Pills (POP or the mini-pill).
A COC is made up of two hormones, an estrogen and a progestogen. POPs or mini-pills contain only progestogen.
Participating pharmacists can only continue pills containing these types of estrogen and progestogen:
Many brands of the pill are available with different types and doses of these hormones. Your pharmacist will not be able to change the type of pill you are taking. If there is more than one brand available for the type of pill you are taking, discuss which brand you prefer with your pharmacist.
Can the pharmacist supply me with a different pill to the one I currently take?
No, the pharmacist can only resupply the pill you have been prescribed by your doctor or nurse practitioner.
I use the pill to stop acne - why can't I get the pill under this service?
Pharmacists can only provide a resupply of your pill if you use it mostly to prevent unplanned pregnancy (contraception).
You will need to speak to your doctor to get a prescription for the resupply of your pill if you are taking it for other reasons, such as for acne (pimples), endometriosis, hormonal migraines or to reduce unwanted hair growth. This is to make sure these other medical conditions are being appropriately monitored by your GP or nurse practitioner.
How many months’ supply of the pill can the pharmacist give me?
If you meet eligibility criteria and are aged 18 – 39 years (inclusive), an authorised pharmacist can provide you with up to 12 months' supply of your oral contraceptive. This can be supplied all at once or over multiple visits, based on your preference.
If you meet eligibility criteria and are aged 40 - 49 years (inclusive), an authorised pharmacist can provide you with one manufacturer’s pack of your pill and will also refer you for follow up with your GP. This is because there are some additional risks associated with hormonal contraception use in this age group.
My local pharmacy is not able to give me a resupply of the pill – why?
Not all pharmacists will choose to provide this service.
If they choose to provide the service, they must also meet requirements including completion of additional training and providing appropriate private consultation area.
Pharmacies that are not providing this service can still:
How much will it cost to get the pill under this service?
Pharmacists can charge a consultation fee for providing this service. This fee is set by the pharmacy.
The cost of medicines will be the same as a private prescription.
Check with your pharmacist about the cost of a consultation and medicines before you agree to receive the service.
What are the risks of taking the pill?
The pill is safe for most women, however there is a very small risk of:
It is important that you speak to your doctor about the risks of taking the pill based on your age, medical history, family medical history and lifestyle.
Unplanned pregnancy can still occur with the pill.
The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Other longer acting forms of contraception can be very reliable and, for some people, more likely to prevent unplanned pregnancy. Talk to the pharmacist, your GP or nurse practitioner about these options.
Do pharmacists have the appropriate training and qualification to provide this service?
Pharmacists must complete additional hormonal contraception management training to provide this service.
Participating pharmacists are provided with clear practice standards that instruct them on who is eligible to receive treatment and who must be referred to their doctor (GP).
The standards have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders and are based on international best practice. They have been tested through the NSW Pharmacy Trial for pharmacists managing oral contraceptive pill resupply, which ran for 12 months and finished on 27 September 2024.
The University of Newcastle is currently undertaking an independent evaluation of trial data, and will produce a final report for the NSW Health in 2025. This information will be used to inform future service delivery models.
Will my doctor be notified that I have seen a pharmacist for this service?
Your pharmacist will seek your consent to send a record to your usual doctor.
How often should I talk to my doctor about my pill?
It is recommended that you discuss your pill with your doctor regularly.
You should speak to your doctor earlier if you:
Where can I find a pharmacist that offers this service?
Visit healthdirect to find a pharmacy offering this service near you.
Pharmacies who provide this service are responsible for maintaining an up-to-date service listing. You can call your local pharmacy to ask if they are providing this service.
Before you go:
What were the outcomes of the NSW Pharmacy Trial for oral contraceptive pill resupply?
The hormonal contraception resupply service has been informed by the NSW Pharmacy Trial for pharmacists managing oral contraceptive pill resupply, which ran for 12 months and finished on 27 September 2024.
The University of Newcastle is currently undertaking an independent evaluation of trial data, and will produce a final report for the NSW Health in 2025. This information will be used to inform future service delivery models.
Please check the NSW Pharmacy Trial web page for updates as this information becomes available.
