First: OTC Birth Control Pill in USA
Birth Control Pill, usually referred to as “The Pill”, will be available as an over the counter purchase for the first time in USA starting March 18, 2024.
Opill, like similar progestin-only pills, works primarily by thickening the cervical mucus and not allowing sperm to get up into the upper genital tract up to the egg.
For Best Effect
Used correctly, Opill is 98% effective. Be sure to read all the instructions that comes with Opill. But these are the key steps
Use a condom on day 1 and day 2 of starting Opill.
After day 2 of using Opill, condoms are no longer necessary.*
Take 1 pill per day in the correct order as directed by the arrows on the blister pack.
Take each pill at the same time each day.
If a pill is not taken within 24 hours (±3 hours) of the last pill, take the pill and use a condom that day. Go back to Step 1.
Do not skip any days. Start a new blister pack when the previous one has been completed.
Store Opill somewhere cool (68°-77°F)
* Opill does not protect against STD/HIV. You can use condoms in conjunction with Opill.
Visit Opill.com for more information
Opill will become available in USA starting March 18, 2024. For more information on Opill, click the picture.
While I would love to boast that USA is the first nation to have have this revolutionary product, that wouldn’t be true. In fact, over 100 countries have had access to OTC birth control pills, some as long as 20 years. That means this type of contraceptive has a track record. OTC birth control pills are known to be safe and effective.
You will find more infographics at Statista
As this is a new product in the American market, there are still questions to be ironed out.
Cost Concerns:
Will Opill be covered by health insurance?
Will Opill be covered by FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts)?
Will Opill be covered by HSA (Health Savings Accounts)?
Will Opill be covered by Prescription Discount Cards?
While Opill can be purchased online (3 month supply for $49.99)* , what price will retailers set?
*As of 3/12/2024
Availability Concerns:
Opill is an over the counter product. That means
Anyone, regardless of age, should be able to pick Opill off a shelf (as easily as picking up a box of condoms)
Place Opill on the conveyor belt (as judgement free as placing underwear on the conveyor belt)
Pay for Opill (without identification verification).
As a nonprofit that supports low income and homeless with contraception access in Brevard County, Florida, we look forward to providing this product for free to our clients. If you are in need, fill out the form to apply for free contraception.
