Over-the-counter five-day morning after pill due in 2015

(AGI) Rome, Nov 21 - The so-called 'five-day morning afterpill', a contraceptive that works for up to 120 hours afterintercourse, may go on sale prescription-free in all Europeancountries next year. The European Medicines Agency's Committeefor Medicinal Products for Human Use has recommended a changein classification from prescription to non-prescription in theEU for the contraceptive ellaOne (ulipristal acetate). EllaOneis used to prevent unintended pregnancy within five days ofunprotected intercourse or if another contraceptive method hasfailed. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation. Removingthe need to obtain a prescription for the medicine should speedup access and so increase its effectiveness. The agency foundthat ulipristal acetate can be used safely and effectivelywithout medical prescription. The five-day pill has beenauthorised in the EU since 2009 and extensive information onits risks and benefits has been collected and studied. Itssafety profile is comparable to levonorgestrel-containingcontraceptives, which are the most frequently used emergencycontraceptives in the EU and available without prescription inmost EU countries. They are intended for use up to 72 hoursafter unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Theagency's recommendation will be sent to the European Commissionfor a final decision. . .