A groundbreaking moment in reproductive health has arrived with Opill, the first birth control pill available over the counter, making its debut on Walgreens shelves and online platforms. This marks a significant shift in the accessibility of contraception, allowing U.S. residents to purchase birth control with the same ease as common pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil.
For Sriha Srinivasan, a 21-year-old contraceptives activist from Fairfield, California, the arrival of Opill is a personal victory. After facing scheduling challenges at local clinics that clashed with her final exams, Srinivasan sees Opill as a solution to the barriers she and many others have encountered. “This is fulfilling the gap that I experienced,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of accessible contraception.
The Food and Drug Administration greenlit Opill for over-the-counter sales last July, but it wasn’t until March 4 that Perrigo, the drug’s manufacturer, began distributing it to retailers. The Opill website now features a map indicating where the pill is stocked or expected to be available, with Walgreens projecting nationwide availability in the near future.
Marty Maloney, a spokesperson for Walgreens, detailed the various ways customers can obtain Opill, including in-store, online for pickup, delivery, or shipping to home. Meanwhile, CVS and Walmart are also gearing up to offer Opill, with CVS planning to stock over 7,500 stores in early April and Walmart expecting online availability shortly, followed by in-store access in the first week of April.
The cost of Opill is set at $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for three months, with Walmart offering slightly lower prices. Opill’s progestin-only formula is designed to impede sperm from reaching an egg, thin the uterine lining, and occasionally prevent ovulation. Known as the ‘mini pill,’ it boasts an effectiveness rate of up to 98% when taken as directed.
Opill’s journey began over 50 years ago under the brand name Ovrette, and while over-the-counter birth control pills have been available in over 100 countries, the U.S. only joined this list after Opill’s approval.
Despite the excitement, Srinivasan voiced concerns about affordability, especially with her impending medical school expenses. The Affordable Care Act mandates most insurance plans to cover contraceptives without out-of-pocket costs, but over-the-counter medications typically fall outside this coverage. However, seven states have taken steps to ensure some nonprescription contraceptives are covered by private health insurance plans.
Perrigo’s Triona Schmelter anticipates that Opill will be readily available for order online, and Patrick Lockwood-Taylor, CEO of Perrigo, expressed optimism about the product’s distribution. As the conversation around cost continues, with advocacy groups like Free the Pill pushing for more affordable pricing, the impact of Opill’s pricing on access remains a critical topic.
Opill’s introduction is more than just a new product on the shelf; it’s a milestone in the fight for reproductive autonomy and the ongoing dialogue about healthcare accessibility and equity. As Opill rolls out across the nation, it promises to reshape the landscape of birth control and empower individuals with more control over their reproductive choices.
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First over-the-counter birth control pill hits store shelves
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