The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States. Soon, you will be able to get this safe and effective form of hormonal birth control, called Opill, without a prescription. 

At a time when nearly half of pregnancies in the United States are unintended, the news represents a major shift. Requiring a medical visit and prescription can be a barrier to accessing birth control. In one study, nearly one out of every three women reported difficulties when trying to refill or start a birth control prescription. 

Common obstacles include: 

• Living far from a health center or OB/GYN office
• Travel costs 
• Limited availability due to work or child care obligations 
• Cost of the visit or lack of insurance 

A survey showed that 77% of women of reproductive age were supportive of making birth control pills available without a prescription. 

“Over-the-counter birth control is going to be life-changing for people who have a hard time accessing it,” says Maria Rodriguez, M.D., MPH, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the OHSU Center for Women’s Health, who specializes in family planning. “Making a safe, effective option available to all is a positive step toward reproductive health equity.” 

Where can I get the over-the-counter pill? 

Perrigo, the company that makes Opill, announced it should be on shelves by January or February of 2024. However, we do not have a specific date just yet. 

Unlike visiting a pharmacist to pick up your prescription birth control, you will most likely find Opill in the same section as other family planning items such as condoms or Plan B. 

What kind of birth control is Opill?

Opill is a progestin-only birth control pill. You take it daily. Some people call this type of birth control a “mini pill.” Studies show these pills to be 98% effective when used perfectly and 91% effective with typical use. Missing doses raises the risk of getting pregnant. 

Opill is not a new product. The FDA approved its use as a prescription-only pill in 1973. Most people tolerate the pill well, though side effects do happen. 

“Progestin-only pills, like Opill, are extremely safe even for individuals who have medical conditions like high blood pressure ,” says Alison Edelman, M.D., MPH, professor of OB/GYN and director of the OHSU Division of Complex Family Planning. “The most commonly reported side effect is a lighter period or spotting in between periods.” 

Is there an age limit to buy Opill?

No.  

How much will it cost?

Perrigo has not yet shared how much it will charge.  

Will my insurance cover the pill?

Maybe. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health plans to cover the range of birth control options covered by the FDA. However, it does not mean they must cover every type of pill. Your plan may choose to cover a different progestin-only pill.  

Oregon House Bill 3391 requires private insurers to cover all FDA-approved birth control. Washington requires coverage for all over-the-counter methods. 

“Overall, this is a really exciting development,” says Dr. Rodriguez, who is also the director of the OHSU Center for Reproductive Health Equity. “We are thrilled that this is a positive step toward getting people the reproductive health care they need.”