Over 5 Chlamydia Tests A Day Since Clamelle Launch

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 01 Dec 2008 - 4:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Customers have already begun to use the NPA Chlamydia Test and Treat service since Clamelle (OTC Azithromycin) was officially launched as a Pharmacy medicine earlier this month. Between 5 and 10 tests a day are being received by GLG Laboratories, the NPA partner in this service.

70% of NPA members are now signed up to provide the NPA service.

John Turk, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: "It is particularly gratifying that this is happening in advance of the launch of the planned national consumer advertising campaign. Community pharmacy is uniquely placed to provide chlamydia testing and treatment - and many other services besides - because pharmacies are particularly accessible and convenient.

"This service will complement existing NHS provision and make it easier and quicker for people to receive screening and appropriate treatment. Now that many pharmacies have consultation areas where you can have a confidential discussion with your pharmacist, I believe that people will be much better served in future and find community pharmacy their preferred option for chlamydia testing and treatment."

Notes

Members wishing to set up a Chlamydia Testing Service will need to register with the NPA, obtain the NPA Chlamydia Resource Pack alongside the Clamelle training pack. The NPA Chlamydia Resource Pack can be obtained from NPA Sales on 01727 800401 or online.

For assistance with setting up a Chlamydia testing service, members should contact the NPA Information Department on 01727 891 800 or email information@npa.co.uk.

Members of the public can purchase a chlamydia test kit from any participating pharmacy for £25, send a urine sample for testing and, if a positive result is returned, purchase treatment over the counter for a further £20. Testing of samples is included in the cost of the test kit, with results returned either direct to the customer or to the pharmacy where the test kit was purchased - or both.

Azithromcyin is available as Clamelle Tablets for people 16 years and over who have tested positive for chlamydia but have no symptoms and for their sexual partners.

Pharmacists can only supply Clamelle tablets to individuals who are confirmed as having a positive Nucleic Acid Amplification Technique (NAAT) chlamydia test result and to their sexual partners (without them needing to take a test).

National Pharmacy Association