More than 50 years after the oral contraceptive pill went on the market in the United States, the country’s first over-the-counter birth control pill will be available in stores and online nationwide later this month.
Known as Opill, the birth control pill will be available without a prescription in major retailers and pharmacies nationwide in late March, according to the drug’s maker, Perrigo. This groundbreaking product will give people a new choice and option to access the oral contraceptive pill without needing a prescription.
Opill will cost $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for a three-month supply in stores. Online customers can purchase Opill at Opill.com for $49.99 for a three-month supply and $89.99 for a six-month supply. Pre-ordering the drug from select stores has become available this week.
The approval of Opill by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2023 marks a significant milestone in reproductive health care in the United States. This 98% effective birth control pill will be the first of its kind available to Americans over-the-counter. Its availability represents a major victory for reproductive rights advocates.
However, while the arrival of Opill is commendable, there are still several important considerations that need to be addressed to ensure equitable access to quality reproductive health care nationwide. Reproductive health advocates emphasize the need for other forms of birth control pills, particularly those that contain both estrogen and progesterone, to be available over-the-counter as well. The availability of Opill should be expanded to a variety of stores, and efforts should be made to make it more affordable for individuals without insurance or other cost barriers.
Perrigo has confirmed that Opill can be paid for or reimbursed through Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts (FSAs/HSAs). The company also intends to announce a cost-assistance program in the coming weeks to help qualified low-income,