Chemists help with script-free UTI treatment

Women across the Central Coast are now able to access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections as part of a statewide community pharmacy clinical trial.

Participating pharmacists –six on the Central Coast and 100 statewide – can provide treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged between 18 and 65.

Also, as part of phase two of the clinical trial, women aged 18 to 35 inclusive will be able to access a re-supply of their low-risk oral contraceptive pill as long as they’ve been prescribed the pill for contraceptive purposes in the past two years by a GP or nurse practitioner.

The University of Newcastle is leading the NSW Health trial in association with the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, University of New England, Charles Sturt University, The George Institute for Global Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

The trial will run until April 30, 2024.

Central Coast pharmacies participating in the trial are: Erina Fair Pharmacy; Chemist Outlet Lisarow; Chemist Outlet Tumbi Umbi; Toowoon Bay Amcal+ Pharmacy; Terry White Chemmart Lake Munmorah; and Blooms The Chemist Erina. Pharmacist-owner at Blooms

The Chemist Erina Luke Owen said that thanks to the trial women experiencing UTI symptoms could now consult directly with appropriately trained pharmacists for access to antibiotic treatment when a visit to a GP was not practical or affordable.

“Urinary tract infections in women can be relatively common and cause a lot of discomfort,” he said.

“It’s important that women can access the right treatment in a timely way, or be referred to a GP if there are suspected complications such as a kidney infection or a sexually transmitted infection.”

Owen said symptoms of UTIs to look out for included pain when urinating, more frequent urinating and the need to urinate urgently.

“Conventional treatments like urinary alkalisers, such as Ural can help to manage the symptoms of a UTI, however, prompt treatment with antibiotics can reduce the duration and the risk of the infection becoming a more complicated issue, like a kidney infection,” he said.

“Information will be provided back to the person’s GP as part of the trial process, with doctors to be notified through either a letter, email or facsimile.

“This will ensure that a patient’s healthcare team is informed about current health conditions and familiar with treatment plans and recommendations put in place.

“We are thrilled to be part of this patient program and we hope that by doing our bit we can help to alleviate the pressure on general practice and potentially on hospital waiting rooms too.”

For more information about the trial, visit the NSW Health website (health.nsw.gov.au and search for NSW pharmacy trial).

Sue Murray