Perrigo recently announced that the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States will soon hit stores and online. The FDA approved Opill last summer as a nonprescription oral pill for pregnancy prevention, marking a significant milestone for reproductive rights. Julie Maslowsky, an associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health, hailed the decision, noting that the pill's availability without a prescription removes a major barrier to access.
Maslowsky emphasized that an over-the-counter option will particularly benefit marginalized populations, such as low-income individuals in rural areas with limited healthcare access, who often face higher rates of unplanned pregnancies. The pill's availability will offer them more control over their reproductive health.
The pills will be sold in one-month and three-month packs, priced at $19.99 and $49.99, respectively. Additionally, Opill will be available on Opill.com, with prices set at $49.99 for a three-month supply and $89.99 for a six-month supply. A cost-assistance program for qualified low-income uninsured individuals will also be launched soon.
Despite the approval, questions remain about health insurance coverage. Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown University, pointed out that while health insurance plans are required to cover prescribed birth control pills under the Affordable Care Act, coverage for over-the-counter medications like Opill is uncertain. Perrigo suggested that payment for Opill could be made through flexible spending or health savings accounts.
Opill, also known as a mini pill, contains only progestin, offering a safe and effective alternative to combination birth control pills. Perrigo claims that Opill is 98 percent effective based on U.S. clinical trials, making it one of the most reliable birth control options available. The pill is designed to be taken daily at the same time for optimal effectiveness.
Health experts highlight the safety of progestin-only pills, with minimal side effects. Colleen Denny, an associate professor at NYU Langone Hospital, stated that there is virtually no way to harm oneself with a progestin-only pill. Common side effects, if any, are mild and include changes to the menstrual cycle.
While the FDA's approval allows Opill to be sold over the counter nationwide, some pharmacy chains may choose not to sell it due to political pressures surrounding reproductive medicine. Jack Hoadley, a research professor emeritus at Georgetown University, compared the situation to the sale of mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions, which some pharmacy chains refused to sell after pressure from antiabortion advocates. However, Hoadley believes that the politics surrounding Opill are not as contentious as those surrounding mifepristone.
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