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Mifepristone REMS For Pharmacies Contains Some Unusual Provisions, Continues Debate Over Access

 
• By Brenda Sandburg

After FDA clears modified REMS, certified retail pharmacists are permitted to dispense the abortion medication. Some advocates argue program is unnecessary, while others want a broader federal effort to expand access. Walgreens intends to become a certified pharmacy.

Pharmacy
Abortion drug mifepristone to be available in certified pharmacies • Source: Shutterstock

The US Food and Drug Administration approved modifications to the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for mifepristone that permit retail pharmacists, as well as online pharmacists, to be certified to dispense the medication abortion. The change is expected to expand access, but many contend that a uniform federal program is needed to help those in states that ban or restrict use of the medication.

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