Online Retailing Starts for the First OTC Birth Control Pill in the US

birth control pills over the counter pill female online sales

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Mar 20, 07:51 am

Photo: (Photo : LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images)

The introduction has begun for the first over-the-counter birth control pill allowed in the United States, with online sales launching on Monday. It will soon be available in prominent retailers such as CVS and Walgreens.

Opill Starts Selling Online

Dubbed as Opill, this contraceptive was allowed authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter usage in July, marking it as the initial daily birth control method cleared for non-prescription sale in the U.S.

According to the FDA, Opill, which boasts about 93% efficiency, is typically safe for most people susceptible to pregnancy, including those as young as 15, without any age limitation on its sale.

The availability of Opill online is seen as a significant advancement for women who may not have access to a local pharmacy or healthcare provider.

The pricing for Opill stands at approximately $20 for a one-month supply and $90 for a six-month supply, with potential insurance coverage. Perrigo, the manufacturer, has also announced a three-month supply option priced at $49.99.

Functions of Opill

Opill functions as a progestin-only pill, necessitating daily intake at the same time. Dr. Melissa J. Kottke, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Atlanta who collaborated with Perrigo during the FDA approval process, emphasizes the importance of widening contraceptive access.

The FDA emphasizes Opill's safety and effectiveness when used correctly, cautioning against its use as an emergency contraceptive or in conjunction with other hormonal birth control methods, including IUDs.

It is advised that individuals with a history of breast cancer refrain from using Opill. Additionally, the FDA highlights common side effects such as irregular bleeding, headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating.

Until now, hormone-based pills, all requiring prescriptions, have been the most prevalent form of birth control in the U.S., with tens of millions of women utilizing them since their inception in the 1960s.

Availability of First Over-The-Counter Birth Control Pill

Sara Young, Perrigo's senior vice president and chief consumer officer, revealed that the product, known as Opill, is available for purchase online via platforms like Amazon and Opill.com.

Once stocks are available, Walgreens and Walmart will also sell Opill online. Young stated that orders will be processed within 24 to 48 hours and typically delivered within three to five business days.

Initial shipments were dispatched earlier this month, so most other pharmacies and major retailers nationwide are expected to have Opill stocked on shelves in the family planning section in the coming weeks.

A CVS spokesperson mentioned earlier this month that over 7,500 CVS Pharmacy stores will offer Opill starting in early April, providing customers with options for same-day delivery or online purchase with in-store pickup for enhanced privacy and convenience.

According to an FAQ section on the Opill website, Perrigo assured customers that orders are shipped in discreet packaging to maintain privacy, employing plain, unbranded packaging for all shipments.

Containing only one hormone, a progestin named norgestrel, Opill becomes effective 48 hours after the first pill is taken and boasts a 98% efficacy rate in preventing pregnancy when used as directed.

Perrigo has instituted a patient assistance program for individuals lacking insurance coverage and facing financial constraints, but the cost could still pose a barrier.

While the Affordable Care Act mandates insurers to cover preventive services, including specific types of birth control, they typically do not cover over-the-counter products unless prescribed. Research indicates that even minimal cost barriers could significantly impede accessibility.

Efforts to make birth control accessible over the counter have been continuing for years, which magnified the importance of the reproductive rights movement.

However, this ruling has crossed the issue of contraception with the politics of abortion, complicating matters.

For instance, there could be potential state-imposed restrictions on Opill, especially considering its approval without a minimum age requirement. Additionally, pharmacists may opt not to dispense it due to moral objections to contraception.