Last May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended the birth control pill, Opill, to be sold over the counter (no prescription necessary). Now, Opill is available to the public and sold at Walgreens, CVS, and other drugstores, grocery stores, and online.
The progestin-only birth control pill is safe to use over the counter for people of all ages, including teenagers. Opill can be up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. Progestin-only birth control pills must be taken within the same three hours every day. If you need help with birth control reminders or period tracking, download Spot On, Planned Parenthood’s app to stay on top of your menstrual cycle.
It’s important to understand that birth control is not one-size-fits-all. There are many types of contraception, and everyone responds differently. If you have other preexisting conditions or irregular bleeding, talk with your provider before taking Opill. Keep in mind that Opill will not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can use a barrier method like condoms to prevent STIs.
Opill could cost $19.99 for a months’ supply or $49.99 for a three-month supply, according to retailer-suggested pricing. However, people with insurance may be able to get it covered by their plan. In California, health plans are required to cover oral birth control pills if obtained at an in-network pharmacy. Check with your insurance to see if they cover Opill.
Not requiring a prescription for this birth control method increases access to birth control—basic health care—significantly. "Opill has the potential to have a huge positive public health impact," says Kathryn Curtis, a scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People don’t need to visit a doctor’s office to get prescribed Opill and there is no age restriction for buying or using Opill. This is a huge win for access to birth control and pregnancy prevention in a time when reproductive rights and abortion access are under attack.
However, there is still more work to be done to increase equitable access to birth control, especially for patients who are low-income, uninsured, and/or living in rural areas. Decreasing the cost for this birth control pill and making sure the pill is widely available will reduce barriers. All patients should be able to access the care they need, including birth control.
For more in-depth information on progestin-only birth control, visit plannedparenthood.org.
Read the press release celebrating the FDA recommendation of Opill from Planned Parenthood Federation of America here.
Tags: