Over the Counter Birth Control
Opill ® is the first ever daily birth control pill that is available over the counter. That means no prescription needed and no appointment needed.
What’s the difference between a birth control pill like Opill and say, Plan B or medication abortion?
There is a big difference between these pills, and they all serve a different purpose.
Opill® is a birth control pill that is taken every day to prevent pregnancy.
A morning after pill like Plan B® is only meant to be used within three days in cases of unprotected sex or if other methods of birth control fail.
Medication abortion pills like mifepristone and/or misoprostol are used to end a pregnancy. These should only be used when a pregnancy is confirmed. While mifepristone is not available over the counter, it will soon be available at certain pharmacies (Walgreens and CVS) with a prescription in states where abortion is legal.
How does it work?
Opill ®, like other birth control pills, contains progestin.
Progestin thickens your cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from reaching the egg. It may also prevent your ovaries from releasing any eggs.
Just swallow one pill at the same time every day. Setting reminders and signing up for a subscription are good ways to make sure you don’t miss a pill.
You can start your first pack on any day of your cycle. If you’re switching from another oral contraceptive, vaginal ring or patch, start taking Opill® the day after you stop the other method.
And just a reminder — like other birth control pills, Opill® doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Note: It’s very important to remember that birth control pills do not induce abortion. Birth control only PREVENTS pregnancy, it does not and cannot terminate a pregnancy.
How effective is Opill?
Opill® is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken at the same time every day.
The pill becomes less effective if you take it at different times, so it is important to take it at the same time every day. It can be helpful to set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself when to take it.
It starts working within 48 hours after you take your first pill, so make sure to keep using a barrier method like condoms for the first two days to prevent pregnancy, or if you miss or are late taking a pill.
Side effects of progestin-only birth control pills might include:
- Irregular menstrual bleeding and spotting
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Decreased sex drive, also called libido
- Depression
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Ovarian cysts
Where can I find Opill?
In store: Opill® is available at most major retailers nationwide.
Online: Order Opill® on the pharmaceutical company’s website, opill.com, and have it delivered to your door in discreet packaging.
How much does Opill cost?
A one-month supply of Opill® will retail for $19.99. We recognize that there is more work to do to reduce cost barriers and ensure that Opill® is equitably accessible.