Opill, the first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill, became available in the United States on March 4, 2024. This is an exciting step towards improved birth control accessibility in our nation. As always, WeARE here to help pair you with the birth control that is right for you - so what do you need to know about Opill? Read below to find out!
What is Opill?
Answer: Opill is the brand name for a progestin-only birth control pill. It is also called the “mini pill” because it contains only progesterone and not both estrogen and progesterone hormones, which are found in combined birth control pills. It will be available over the counter without needing a prescription or a visit with a health care provider.
Is Opill safe?
Answer: Yes. Opill is as safe as other medications that are sold over the counter (that’s why the FDA approved them for OTC use!). The most common Opill side effect is changes in your periods: early, late, bleeding between periods, or stopping periods altogether. Less common side effects include headache, dizziness, and stomach upset. Opill is safe for most people to use — even if you have high blood pressure, migraine headaches, and if you’re over 35 and smoke or use other forms of tobacco. However, if you have breast cancer or if you’ve had breast cancer in the past five years, don’t use Opill.
How does Opill work? Answer: Opill, like other birth control pills, works by stopping sperm from joining with an egg, which prevents pregnancy. Opill safely stops ovulation, which means there’s no egg released from the ovaries for sperm to get to. Opill’s hormones also thicken the mucus of the cervix, which blocks sperm so it can’t swim to an egg.
Is Opill effective? Answer: Yes. Like all birth control pills, Opill is effective at preventing pregnancy. If you use it perfectly, Opill is 99% effective.
How do I use Opill?
Answer: Two important things to know:
As it says on the package, take one pill every day at the same time of day. Since Opill is a progestin-only pill (mini pill), you must take Opill within three hours of when you took it the day before. In other words, if you take Opill at 12:00 p.m., and then take it the next day after 3:00 p.m., this will put you at risk for pregnancy. Alarms, reminders, or birth control apps can help you take your pill on time. If you take Opill more than three hours past your usual time, use a backup method of birth control (like condoms!) when you have sex for the next 48 hours (two days). Condoms, of course, are always a good idea to protect you from STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
With Opill, you will take a pill every day. There are NO sugar or placebo pills at the end of the cycle. This is different than combined birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone. As you can see on the packaging, there are 4 weeks (28 days) of pills, and you take one every day. When you finish a pack, you immediately move on to a new pack without a break in between.
Why would I want to use Opill?
Answer: Opill will be available over the counter without needing a prescription. This means you can buy it online or pick it up at the drug store or other retail store without getting a prescription or talking to a health care provider first.
How do I get Opill?
Answer: Opill is available at drugstores and other retail stores and online. There are no age or other requirements for purchasing Opill. In Brainerd, Opill can be found at Target, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
How much will it cost?
Answer: The manufacturer suggests a retail price of $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for a three-month supply in stores, but each retailer or store determines their own price. Patients can also get a six-month supply for $89.99 at Opill.com.
Can I still talk to someone at WeARE-The Clinic about birth control if I’m using Opill?
Answer: Absolutely. We are happy to talk with you about Opill or other types of birth control and answer questions you may have. There is a generic minipill available by prescription, as well as many other options for preventing pregnancy.
Most people are eligible to receive prescription birth control through WeARE for free or at a lower cost than Opill. You don’t even need to get undressed or participate in an exam to be prescribed birth control at WeARE. Plus, it is easy and affordable to take care of all aspects of your sexual health at WeARE, including sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, pap smears, pregnancy testing, and more!
Even if you do not visit WeARE, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider about your sexual health.
Information provided by:
Kristi Elliott, WeARE Medical Director & Doctor