The oral contraceptive pill (also known as “the pill”) is one of the most widely used and effective forms of contraception for women in Australia¹.

Traditionally, obtaining the pill has required a GP appointment. To improve convenience and support reproductive autonomy, pharmacists at selected Amcal Pharmacies can now provide a resupply and, in some states, even initiate new prescriptions for the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP).

ACT

To be eligible for a resupply of your Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP), you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a woman or gender-diverse person with female biology
  • Be aged between 18 to 49 years (inclusive)
  • Be taking a low risk OCP continuously for two years as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner

NSW

To receive an extended supply of the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP), you must meet the following:

  • Be a woman or gender-diverse person with female biology
  • Be aged between 18 to 49 years (inclusive)
  • Be taking a low risk OCP continuously for two years as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner

NT

This service is not currently available in the Northern Territory.

QLD

In Queensland, you can now get a prescription for the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) directly from an accredited pharmacist, with no prior doctor’s visit needed. This is an option whether you’re starting contraception for the first time or need a repeat prescription.

To be eligible for a consultation, you must:

  • Be a woman or gender-diverse person with female biology
  • Be aged 16 to 50 (inclusive)

SA

To receive an extended supply of the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP), you must meet the following:

  • Be a woman or gender-diverse person with female biology
  • Be aged between 17 to 50 years (inclusive)
  • Be taking a low risk OCP continuously for two years as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner

TAS

To receive an extended supply of the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP), you must meet the following:

  • Be a woman or gender-diverse person with female biology
  • Be aged between 16 to 50 years (inclusive)
  • Be taking a low risk OCP continuously for two years as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner

VIC

To receive an extended supply of the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP), you must meet the following:

  • Be a woman or gender-diverse person with female biology
  • Be aged between 16 to 50 years (inclusive)
  • Be taking a low risk OCP continuously for two years as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner

WA

To receive an extended supply of the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP), you must meet the following:

  • Be a woman or gender-diverse person with female biology
  • Be aged between 16 to 39 years (inclusive)
  • Be taking a low risk OCP continuously for two years as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner

Who can use this service?

This service is available to women who:

  • Meet the minimum age requirements for their state or territory (refer to the drop down above)
  • Need a resupply of their existing OCP, or
  • Are eligible for initiation of a new OCP script in jurisdictions where permitted (refer to the drop down above)
  • Do not present with medical contraindications including but not limited to, fever, back pain, pregnancy, or recurrent infections

In the event where specialised care is required, the pharmacist will refer you to a GP.

What’s involved in the pharmacist consultation?

Your consultation will be conducted in a private room and includes:

  • A full explanation of the service and any associated fees
  • Screening for suitability using a clinical checklist
  • A review of your medical history, blood pressure (if required), and medications
  • Education on how to use the pill, how to manage missed doses, and how to recognise side effects
  • GP referral if your clinical needs fall outside the pharmacist’s scope of practice

If appropriate, your pharmacist can provide up to a 4-month resupply of your usual pill.

The initiation of a new OCP script is limited to select low-risk options, based on national and state guidance.

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How much does it cost?

A consultation fee may apply, along with the cost of any medication. You will be advised of any charges for the consultation and medicine before the service begins, however, you may wish to contact your local Amcal Pharmacy beforehand to confirm the exact costs.

Medicines provided through this service are not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so they will not count towards your PBS Safety Net.

This service is available to everyone, including those without a Medicare card and international students.

Why see a pharmacist for the pill?

This service offers:

  • Fast access to resupply, particularly for time-poor individuals
  • Extended continuity of care between GP visits
  • Health education and a GP referral for complex reproductive care

References:

¹ Family Planning NSW. Your contraception options (2024). Factsheet_What-Suits-Me_2025.pdf

 

We acknowledge individuals in the transgender community and people who are non-binary who might not identify as women. Efforts have been made to use neutral language. Where the word ‘woman’ has been used, we include all people with a uterus.