Cristin Hackel, a highly experienced nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience in OB/GYN offices in the United States and Japan, currently serves as the medical director of Nurx Gynecological Services. In her role, she oversees a large team of providers and ensures high-quality care delivery to over 500,000 active patients. In a recent episode of Pharmacy Focus, Hackel discussed OTC contraception and the pharmacist’s role in reproductive health.
Hackel talked about the available OTC options such as condoms and emergency contraceptive pills, as well as the newly approved Opill. She explained the differences in efficacy between OTC and prescription methods, highlighting how OTC options can increase accessibility but require self-screening.
Hackel also addressed the potential public health benefits of improved access to contraception and its impact on reproductive rights. She emphasized the importance of pharmacists in promoting education and awareness of contraception options within their communities. This includes stocking OTC products and being knowledgeable to advise patients on contraceptive options.
Key takeaways from the discussion include the approval of Opill as the first OTC oral contraceptive pill in 2023. While OTC options may have lower efficacy compared to prescription methods, they offer improved accessibility without requiring a provider visit. Increased access to contraception can lead to positive public health outcomes by reducing risks associated with unintended pregnancy. Pharmacists have a crucial role in stocking OTC options, promoting education, and advising patients about their contraceptive choices.
Nurse practitioner Cristin Hackel is an expert with over 25 years of experience working in OB/GYN offices across both America and Japan. Currently serving as medical director at Nurx Gynecological Services, she oversees a team of providers that delivers high-quality care to more than half a million active patients. In a recent episode of Pharmacy Focus, Hackel discussed her insights on over-the-counter (OTC) contraception and its importance for reproductive health.
Hackel highlighted various OTC options available such as condoms and emergency contraceptive pills (ECP), including the newly approved Opill oral contraceptive pill set for release in 2023. She explained how while these methods may have lower efficacy compared to prescription alternatives, they provide greater accessibility without requiring a provider visit.
Furthermore, Hackel addressed how increased accessibility to birth control has significant public health implications by reducing risks associated with unintended pregnancies. As pharmacists play an essential role within their communities by stocking these products and providing information on various reproductive health topics.
Overall, key takeaways from this discussion included Opill’s upcoming approval as an OTC oral birth control option while acknowledging its lower effectiveness compared to prescription methods; however, it promotes increased accessibility without needing professional consultation. The significance of pharmacists’ roles cannot be overlooked since they serve as essential educators within their communities regarding reproductive health matters like stocking relevant products for consumers’ use while giving guidance on various birth control choices.
