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

ABSTRACT

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.