Opill: What to Know About the OTC Birth Control Pill
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Key Takeaways
Opill is the first OTC oral contraceptive available in the United States.
Opill is a progestin-only pill with a high safety profile.
The pill will be available at major retailers and pharmacies, priced at $19.99 for a month’s supply.
Opill, the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive, will be available in the United States this month.
Developed by Perrigo, Opill presents a convenient option for people who want to prevent pregnancy but are unable to visit a healthcare provider for a prescription.
“It increases accessibility to a wide variety of people,” said Tiffany Pham, MD, an OB-GYN and medical advisor at Flo Health.
Opill stands out because of its formulation as a progestin-only pill, commonly referred to as a minipill. Regular birth control pills have two hormones—estrogen and progesterone—while the minipill has only progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone). Typically, a progestin-only pill may have milder side effects than a combination pill.
“The Opill works as birth control by possibly preventing ovulation in some people,” Pham said. “It can thicken the mucus within your cervix to act as a barrier for sperm in order to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg to fertilize it, and it can cause the lining of the uterus to become more thin over time, which can prevent the fertilized egg from implanting inside the uterus.”
Related: Everything You Need to Know About How to Get Birth Control
How Effective Is Opill?
With an efficacy rate comparable to many other oral contraceptives, Opill boasts a 98% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy when used correctly.
“However, most typical users of the pill do not take it perfectly; therefore, realistically, it prevents around 91% of pregnancies,” Pham said. “Even at 91%, it is still more effective than most non-hormonal forms of contraception.”
Its effect begins 48 hours after the initial dose. While potential side effects such as headaches, bloating, and cramping exist, the overall safety profile of the progestin-only pill is deemed favorable, with minimal associated health concerns.
“When you first start taking the Opill, you should use some form of backup contraception for two days before the pill becomes effective as a form of contraception,” Pham said. “It is extremely important to take the pill on a daily basis at the same time every day.”
The FDA panel that approved the drug for OTC use raised some concerns that younger users may not understand the importance of taking the pill every day. Or they may not know to use another form of birth control if they miss a dose.
However, some panelists said that providers often prescribe birth control once a year and most patients don’t get much counseling or advice even when they get a prescription.
“As a consumer, you will need to do your due diligence to screen yourself appropriately to ensure that you can take the medication,” Pham said.
Related: Starting Birth Control: How Long Until It Works?
How Much Does OPill Cost?
Opill will be widely available at major retailers, stocked alongside condoms and pregnancy tests in the family planning aisle, both in physical stores and online platforms like Opill.com.
The recommended retail price of a one-month supply of Opill is $19.99. Bulk purchases offer additional savings, with a three-month supply priced at $49.99 and a six-month supply at $89.99.
Perrigo has addressed concerns regarding affordability by establishing a patient cost-assistance program for uninsured individuals facing financial barriers, according to a press release.
What This Means For You
You can soon find Opill at major retailers and pharmacies without needing a prescription.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
