Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill that can be purchased without a prescription, will be available later this month online and in pharmacies for $19.99 a month, $49.99 for a three-month supply or $89.99 for a six-month supply, its parent company, Perrigo, said Monday.
Opill has been heralded as a potential game-changer for access to birth control because it eliminates the step of finding a doctor to write a prescription, which can be costly or burdensome depending on where women live and what health insurance coverage they have.
The drug has already been on the market for 50 years as prescription birth control and was determined safe and effective for over-the-counter use by the Food and Drug Administration in July.
It’s is expected to be available at major retailers like CVS and Walgreens nationwide in the coming weeks, as well as available for order directly through Opill’s website. Preorder from select retailers begins this week.
The cost of Opill, however, will play a major role in its accessibility.
Opill a daily oral contraceptive.
Opill
Most insurance plans have to cover prescription birth control under the Affordable Care Act, but the laws differ state by state for birth control without a prescription — which is uncharted territory.
Those without insurance or who don’t want to use their insurance for privacy reasons will have to pay the $15-20 cost out of pocket per month, depending on which monthly supply plan they purchase.
Around 39% of women would be willing to pay $1-10 for birth control, but that number drops slightly to 34% for those who would be willing to pay $11-20 per month, according to a November 2022 survey from KFF.
Some 1 in 10 women — 11% — said they were unwilling or unable to pay anything for OTC birth control pills.
Opill said it will have a cost-assistance program available in the coming weeks to help “qualified low-income, uninsured individuals obtain Opill at low or no cost.”
Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill, is set to revolutionize the way women access and use contraception. This groundbreaking development comes at a time when access to affordable and convenient birth control options is more important than ever.
Traditionally, birth control pills have only been available with a prescription from a healthcare provider. This requirement has often been a barrier for many women, especially those without easy access to healthcare or who face financial constraints. With Opill, women will now be able to purchase this form of contraception over-the-counter, making it more accessible and convenient for a wider range of individuals.
Opill works by combining two hormones, estrogen and progestin, to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg. This method of contraception has been proven to be highly effective when taken correctly, with a failure rate of less than 1% when used consistently and correctly.
One of the key benefits of Opill is the convenience it offers to women. No longer will they need to schedule appointments with healthcare providers or wait in line at pharmacies to obtain their birth control pills. Instead, they can simply walk into a store and purchase Opill off the shelf, making it easier than ever to stay on top of their contraceptive needs.
Additionally, Opill has the potential to empower women to take control of their reproductive health. By providing a safe and effective form of contraception that is easily accessible, women can make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures. This increased autonomy can lead to better overall health outcomes and greater peace of mind for individuals who rely on birth control to prevent unintended pregnancies.
It is important to note that while Opill is a convenient option for many women, it may not be suitable for everyone. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new form of contraception to ensure that it is the right choice for your individual needs and health history.
Overall, the release of Opill marks a significant milestone in the world of contraception. By making birth control pills available over-the-counter, women now have more options and greater control over their reproductive health. This development has the potential to improve access to contraception for many individuals and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for women worldwide.
