Plan B

On August 25, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced approval of Plan B, a contraceptive drug, as an over-the-counter (OTC) product for women ages 18 and over.  The FDA website  provides information about the recent approval.  Plan B may not be dispensed without a prescription unless it is in the new OTC packaging.   Packages labeled "Rx only" may NOT be sold OTC. Additional information is available from the manufacturer and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.  

Currently, Texas law does not have a conscience clause allowing pharmacists to refuse to sell a product or dispense a prescription based on moral grounds. However, a pharmacist does have a professional responsibility to his/her patients.  If a pharmacist is unable to sell a medication or fill a particular prescription for any reason, he/she should refer the patient to another pharmacist at the pharmacy, if possible, or refer the patient to a pharmacy where the patient may obtain the medication.