Health Advisories

New Process For Over The Counter Plan B Distribution

Submitted by OPT on December 10, 2007 - 4:15pm

Emergency Contraception now available in BC without a prescription

With recent regulatory changes to the status of Plan B, we are now able to sell this product to men as well as women. Plan B is now available as needed and in advance of need without a prescription.

The process being used by OPT staff can be found below. Please feel free to download and adapt this material for your own use.

Health Consumer Alert

Submitted by OPT on October 29, 2007 - 5:07pm

An organization based in Abbotsford that calls itself Pro Life BC (if you look hard enough), has launched a disreputable Web site and advertising campaign under the banner of “Options BC”. It represents itself as a place where women can obtain nonjudgmental information and help regarding pregnancy and abortion.

EVRA Contraceptive Patch Update

Submitted by OPT on November 29, 2006 - 4:04pm

The US FDA has changed the labelling for the Ortho Evra Patch, as up to 60% more estrogen may be absorbed than originally thought. The US patch, which has 75 micrograms of estrogen in it, has a different formulation than the Canadian patch, which has 60 micrograms of estrogen. Increased levels of estrogen may lead to adverse effects, such as increased risk of blood clots and stroke.

HPV Vaccine Approved

Submitted by OPT on August 31, 2006 - 3:35pm

In July 2006, a new vaccine to protect against four strains of the Human Papilloma Virus was approved for use in Canada by Health Canada. Gardasil will be available by the end of August 2006 through Canadian physicians and pharmacists, and is designed to prevent cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer as well as genital warts.

For more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine.htm.

Advisory on Depo-Provera

Submitted by OPT on November 29, 2004 - 4:30pm

Pfizer Canada Inc., the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, recently issued the following statement:

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