US women can now buy birth control pills without prescription
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday greenlighted the first over-the-counter birth control pill. This means that women and girls in the US can now buy contraceptive medication without needing a prescription from a doctor. It is a big step forward in making contraception more accessible to everyone. The FDA's approval specifically applies to once-a-day Opill, manufactured by Dublin-based Perrigo.
First nonprescription daily oral contraceptive for the masses
"Today's approval marks the first time a nonprescription daily oral contraceptive will be an available option for millions of people in the United States," Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA's Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a news release.
How does Opill work?
Opill is a type of birth control pill that contains only progestin. It works by thickening cervical mucus, preventing ovulation, or both, which helps in preventing pregnancy. Hormone-based pills have been widely used in the US since the 1960s and have required a prescription up until now. Significantly, approximately 45% of the six million pregnancies that occur in the US each year are unintended.
Why is this approval important?
Teenagers, women of color, and those with limited incomes often face hurdles in obtaining prescriptions and picking them up. These challenges can include financial constraints, taking time off work, and finding child care. Perrigo, Opill's manufacturer, believes their pills can be a valuable new choice for the estimated 15 million women in the US who currently rely on less effective contraceptive methods like condoms.
How safe is Opill?
Unlike traditional pills, Opill contains only progestin, which reduces the risk of blood clots associated with estrogen. The most common side effects of Opill include irregular bleeding, headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. FDA in their release noted, "When properly used, Opill is safe and effective." Opill cannot be used as emergency contraception or to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
Guidelines by FDA
To ensure its effectiveness, Opill should be taken at the same time each day. Using medications that interact with Opill can make it less effective. It should not be used by individuals who currently have or have had breast cancer in the past. It's also not recommended to use Opill alongside other hormonal birth control methods like another birth control pill, or intra-uterine device.
When will the pills be available?
Opill will become available by early 2024 at pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers, with no age restrictions on its sales. People seeking hormonal contraception can get the pills across all 50 states and US territories. Perrigo plans to reveal its price later this year. The pricing will affect how many women will be able to afford and obtain these pills.
