Exciting news for American women and teens as the first over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill, is set to hit U.S. stores later this month. Perrigo, the manufacturer, announced on Monday that shipments have commenced to major retailers and pharmacies, making contraceptive medication as accessible as everyday items like aspirin. Opill, an older class of contraceptive known as minipills, contains a single synthetic hormone, progestin, offering a convenient and potentially lower side-effect option.
Perrigo’s suggested retail price places a one-month supply at approximately $20, while a three-month supply will be available for around $50. Online sales will also be an option for those seeking this innovative birth control solution. The FDA’s approval last July paved the way for Opill to be sold without a prescription, and there will be no age restrictions on sales, aligning with the accessibility of other over-the-counter medications.
As legal and political battles surrounding reproductive health, including the recent Roe v. Wade reversal, continue in the U.S., Opill’s launch provides women with another birth control option. The approval process faced scrutiny, with FDA scientists expressing concerns about certain medical conditions and understanding the drug’s suitability. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, represented by Dr. Verda Hicks, emphasizes that studies have shown patients, including adolescents, can effectively self-screen for the use of these pills.
Opill’s arrival signals a transformative shift in birth control accessibility, bringing a user-friendly and cost-effective solution to the market, regardless of age. This move aligns with the availability of birth control pills without a prescription in various regions across South America, Asia, and Africa.
