The morning-after pill will only be available in pharmacies to people aged over 18, the Ministry of Health said yesterday.

A spokeswoman added that guidance will be given to pharmacists to guide patients on the appropriate use and side effects.

The news came after Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, announced that the emergency contraception, previously only available on prescription, would be sold over the counter in pharmacies.

The Centre Against Abuse welcomed the change as another step to empower women but called for guidelines to ensure the drug is used properly.

A health ministry spokeswoman said: “The emergency contraceptive pill will only be available in pharmacies from a pharmacist to people over the age of 18.

“However, if further guidance is needed for women under the age of 18, please contact the Maternal Health and Family Planning Clinic at 278-6441.”

She added: “There will be guidance provided to pharmacists to assist and educate patients on appropriate usage, side effects, and best practice.

“Pharmacists were consulted earlier in the year and notified when the legislation was enacted.”

Ms Wilson made the announcement as she updated Parliament on modernisation of drug schedules on November 24.

The ministry spokeswoman said that the move brings Bermuda into line with other major jurisdictions.

She said: “It means women have access to emergency contraception outside of the usual business hours of the clinic or physician offices.

“They are in a better position to use emergency birth control in the most timely fashion.”

The spokeswoman added that levonorgestrel has been available from the Department of Health Maternal Health Clinic, and through physicians and that this will not be affected by the amendments.

She explained that levonorgestrel in the form of the morning-after pill was designed for emergencies.

“Levonorgestrel is a progestin hormone used in contraceptive pills for the past several decades, often in combination with oestrogen.

“It works primarily by preventing ovulation of an ovum — egg — from the female ovary. It is known to be safe and effective when used appropriately.”

But she said the drug — a one-time only contraception that will only work for one incident of unprotected sex — will not work if the woman is already pregnant.

She added: “It does not have lasting efficacy beyond preventing conception in the approximately 72 to 120 hours after sexual activity — three to five days.

“Our literature states that it should be taken within 72 hours — three days — of unprotected sex. Its efficacy is not guaranteed after the first 72 hours.

“It must not be used as contraception as its efficacy in preventing pregnancy is not equal to that of hormonal contraception taken appropriately.”

She said it is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sexual activity but she added that it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

“If a woman thinks she may be pregnant following the morning-after pill or be at risk for a sexually transmitted infection she should contact her physician or the Maternal Health and Family Planning Clinic for advice.”