What if, one day, reproductive healthcare access could be as simple as buying birth control over the counter? This may be possible as early as this year. Opill is a form of birth control that only uses the hormone progestin as a contraceptive, as opposed to the other estrogen and progesterone combination pills. The FDA approved Opill in the summer of 2023 and it may be available to purchase by the end of this March or early April for $19.99/month.
Opill affects ovulation and thickens cervical mucus so that sperm have a more difficult time reaching eggs, avoiding fertilization and thus, preventing pregnancy. When used “perfectly”, Opill has a 98% efficiency rate, with perfect use defined as taking the pill every day at a consistent time. However, consumers often forget to take the pills, so typical use is about 91% effective. Unlike traditional birth control pills, there is no 1-week placebo and consumers should start a new pack immediately after finishing the first one. Some common side effects of Opill are acne, spotting, headaches, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Opill will be available to purchase over the counter like many other familiar drugs.
Image Source: Peter Dazeley
Opill has been studied in people as young as 15 years old and has been deemed safe for teenagers. It will not be sold with an age restriction, and the manufacturers have stated that they want Opill to be as affordable as possible. This could have a massive impact on preventing teen pregnancy, as many teenagers are often afraid to speak to doctors when they are sexually active out of fear that their parents may find out. Having a safe, affordable form of birth control available over the counter would make contraception more accessible and prevent thousands of unplanned pregnancies.
Opill also allows those with no primary care doctor or insurance to access birth control. Without proper healthcare access, birth control can be impossible to acquire or unaffordable, so Opill makes preventing unwanted pregnancies much easier for these groups of people. Overall, Opill will be an important addition to our pharmaceutical space and make safer sex practices more common in the U.S.
Featured Image: Sarah
