Opill, the inaugural birth control pill to be sold over the counter, has recently become available in select Walgreens stores. Additionally, it can be ordered online from various outlets including Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, and its own website.
For the first time in the U.S., people can buy birth control pills like they would common pain relievers, although some states have already allowed pharmacists to provide birth control pills without a prescription. Sriha Srinivasan, a 21-year-old contraceptives activist, plans to use Opill due to its convenience and to support its role in expanding contraceptive access. She faced challenges in getting a birth control prescription last year, with the earliest appointments clashing with her final exams.
Opill was sanctioned for over-the-counter sales by the FDA in July, but manufacturer Perrigo began distribution only in March. The Opill website features a map showing where the pill is or will be available. Walgreens anticipates nationwide availability in its stores soon, and CVS will start selling Opill in early April in over 7,500 stores, offering online purchasing options for added privacy and convenience. Walmart is also set to include Opill on its website and in all stores from early April, priced at $19.99 for one month and $49.99 for three months.
Opill, a ‘mini pill’ containing the hormone progestin, prevents pregnancy by inhibiting sperm movement, thinning the uterine lining, and occasionally stopping ovulation. Its effectiveness can reach 98% with proper usage. The medication’s prescription version, Ovrette, was available in the U.S. from 1973 to 2005. Over-the-counter birth control pills have been accessible in over 100 countries before Opill’s U.S. approval.
Srinivasan, who advocated for over-the-counter birth control pills at an FDA meeting, feels that the cost of Opill could be a concern once she begins medical school. While the Affordable Care Act mandates coverage for some contraceptives, over-the-counter medicines are generally not covered. However, seven states mandate private insurance plans to cover certain nonprescription contraceptives, potentially including Opill. These states also provide funds for Medicaid beneficiaries to access nonprescription contraceptives.