A first step to prescribing for minor ailments and contraceptives
This afternoon, March 16, 2023, regulations that will allow for pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments and contraceptives were posted on the Government of British Columbia’s web site.
As you may be aware, changes are to be made to B.C.’s Health Professions Act under the Pharmacists Regulation section. These proposed amendments are the first -- but an essential step to allow pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments and contraceptives coming later this spring. Following the adoption of these amendments, the College of Pharmacists of BC will then work on changes to the Standards, Limits and Conditions.
Included in these proposed amendments are the types of minor ailments B.C.’s pharmacists will be able to prescribe for as well as the schedule of drug types, if adopted:
| Disease, Disorder or Condition | Drug Category |
|---|---|
| Acne | Topical drugs |
| Allergic rhinitis |
|
|
Conjunctivitis (allergic, bacterial or viral) |
Ophthalmic drugs |
|
Dermatitis (allergic, atopic, contact, diaper or seborrheic) |
Topical drugs |
| Dysmenorrhea | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Dyspepsia | Gastric acid reducing drugs |
|
Fungal infections (Onychomycosis, Tinea corporis infection, Tinea cruris infection or Tinea pedis infection) |
Topical drugs |
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease | Gastric acid reducing drugs |
| Headache | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Hemorrhoids | Topical drugs |
|
Herpes labialis |
|
| Impetigo | Topical drugs |
| Oral Ulcers (canker sores, aphthous ulcers) | Topical drugs |
| Oropharyngeal candidiasis | Antifungal drugs |
| Musculoskeletal pain | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Shingles | Antiviral drugs |
| Nicotine dependence | Nicotine cessation drugs |
| Threadworms or pinworms | Anthelmintic drugs |
| Uncomplicated urinary tract infection | Antibiotic drugs |
| Urticaria, including insect bites |
|
| Vaginal candidiasis | Antifungal drugs |
The BC Pharmacy Association welcomes these proposed amendments and looks forward to continuing to work with the Ministry of Health and College of Pharmacists of B.C. to support pharmacists in these exciting scope changes.