Yellowknife (Apr 27/05) - Considering the morning-after pill to be an abortion pill is both erroneous in thinking and concept, says the president of the NWT Pharmaceutical Association.

"It's either the person's perception or just lack of knowledge," Daryl Dolynny said of any misconceptions about the recently deregulated emergency contraception pill.

The drug Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg - commonly known as Plan B - was removed last week from prescription status by Health Canada to simple availability through a pharmacist. It is currently sold at Shopper's Drug Mart, Wal-Mart and will be sold at Sutherland's Drugs once the pharmacist is trained.

Used as an emergency form of birth control, the drug's pathway actually works by preventing the egg from being released, by stopping the egg from becoming fertilized or through prevention of egg implantation to the uterus.

Through a proper screening and counselling process which includes a questionnaire and detailed information given by the pharmacist, a woman can now obtain the drug over the counter as opposed to waiting for an appointment with a physician.

Considering there is a small window of time in which the drug can effectively be used, Dolynny said the decision makes sense.

"For every hour that goes by, the percentage of accuracy and effectiveness diminishes," Dolynny said of the 72-hour window.

He also said there are many reasons why a drug is removed from prescription status.

Safety, helpfulness and timeliness are three such considerations, he noted.

"We knew this was going to happen some time ago and have been working closely with other health care teams," he said of the drug's new status.

"I think it shows the depth of our profession that we've taken the extra steps, such as on-line courses to prepare for this product coming on board," Dolynny said.

"In essence, I think the pharmacy community is well-prepared for this."

Dolynny said he has heard of no complaints about the availability of the drug, but instead it is being well-received.

"In the past, calling for an appointment with a physician meant it could take more than 72 hours, which makes it futile to proceed.

"And it potentially clogs up the emergency rooms (as women seek a quicker prescription). We feel the power is at the fingertips of the consumer," he said.

"I think this is the dawn of a new era for pharmacy."

In recent years, Dolynny said a number of drugs have been moved from prescription-only to over-the-counter.

The drug Zantac - taken to cure ulcers - is one example. In the United Kingdom, the drug Lipitor - to lower cholesterol - is another example.

Yellowknife physician Laura Lee McFadden said she applauds the Health Canada decision.

"I think it is a terrific idea. I've been working in the territories with another colleague and a pharmacist to move this forward and get this available without a prescription," McFadden said.

Availability of the drug should be widespread to include public health clinics and medical clinics.

And it should be free of charge, she added.

Also, McFadden said she has no concerns that the drug will be used as a primary source of birth control because of the higher dosage of hormones it contains.

"And ironically, it is a form of contraception. The same hormone is what is in the birth control pill."

Many patients are still unaware of the drug and its availability, she noted.

"I think it is not asked for commonly enough," the doctor said.

"And how ever it is used, it is going to decrease the rate of unwanted pregnancy, which is our whole goal here."