Opill is now available at stores across the country and doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription!
Ever since the birth control pill first came onto the market in the 1970s, women and girls have had to get a prescription from their doctor. For those in under-resourced and underfunded communities, this can present a challenge. Women in those areas are less likely to have access to effective birth control methods than those in other communities, and Mississippi has the highest rate of teen birth in the U.S.
However, a drug approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made accessing contraception easier. In July 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opill, an over-the-counter method of birth control. It is now available online and in stores.
So what do you need to know about Opill?
- Opill (norgestrel) is a progestin-only pill, also known as a mini pill. Because it doesn’t have estrogen, it has fewer risks than pills that contain progestin and estrogen. Those who have had breast cancer or have a history with the disease should not take this pill, along with those who have a known or suspected pregnancy and unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Opill has the around same effective rate as prescription birth control pills—99% effective with perfect use and 93% effective with typical use. Like similar oral contraceptives, Opill must be taken at the same time each day.
- The OTC version does not have an age restriction. This will help improve young people’s access to contraception and reduce rates of unintended births.
- Perrigo, Opill’s manufacturer, has set the price between $19.99 and $89.99, though the price will vary depending on location.
- Opill is now available at drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and online.
Find the nearest retailer at this link.
Here are some other resources:Find community resources and services.
Order Your Project ME. Safer Sex Kit today.
Decide what works for you with Choose Your Method. Keep an eye out for Opill coming to Choose Your Method this year!
Know your county’s STI/STD and teen birth statistics.
Keep up with our work at teenhealthms.org.