Over the counter treatment for chlamydia

Treatment for chlamydia, the most common sexually transmitted infection will soon be available over the counter (OTC).

The antibiotic Clamelle will only be sold to men and women aged 16 and over will be able to get the antibiotic who have tested positive for the infection and have no symptoms. Their partners will also be able to get the drug which should hit shelves later this year.

An increasing number of men and women are already getting tested for chlamydia at their pharmacy, according to the FPA (formerly the Family Planning Association). Some are given the test by the pharmacist to do at home. Now, the availability of the drug OTC means the whole problem can be resolved easily without even going to the GP for a prescription.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection and young people account for two thirds of all new cases. It is known as the 'silent infection', as there are often no symptoms. If left untreated it can cause infertility.

Dr June Raine, director of vigilance and risk management of medicines at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which has now approved Clamelle, said: 'Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the UK. Up to 70% of people who have chlamydia have no symptoms and could therefore remain undiagnosed. This means that they are at huge risk of serious long-term health complications, including infertility and ectopic pregnancy.'

She went to say that 'The MHRA says it is keen to support the availability of more medicines over the counter, where it is safe to do so, and we wish to move on to new areas such as prevention and chronic disease management. We know many pharmacists are ready for this too.'

Previous news stories on chlamydia:

• April 2007: Is chlamydia testing of unders 25s working?
• August 2005: Condoms, chlamydia, cunnilingus: we're clueless
• May 2004: Yes, chlamydia harms men as well as women
• January 2004 :Testing improved for most common sexual infection