On Monday morning, Opill was launched at Opill.com and Amazon. It is the first over-the-counter birth-control pill, also known as “mini-pill”, available to anyone regardless of their insurance coverage or whether they have seen a doctor. As such, the launch marks a historic moment for women’s health.
Currently, people can purchase it without prescription only online: a one-month pack of 28 pills for $19.99; a three-month pack of 84 pills for $49.99; and, only at Opill’s website, a 6-month pack of 168 pills for $89.99. Orders will be fulfilled in a day or two.
According to its manufacturer, Dublin-based pharmaceutical company Perrigo, the daily contraceptive, must be taken at the same time every day and and it takes two days to take effect. When used correctly, it is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
It is a “progestin-only birth control pill” that thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus in order to block sperm from reaching the egg. It has been scientifically proven to be extremely safe with minimal side effects. Although mini-pills should stop ovulation, half the patients taking it still ovulate.
According to spokesperson Matt Blanchett, who emailed CNN, “Opill will be available at CVS.com and through the CVS Pharmacy app in late March. More than 7,500 CVS Pharmacy stores will offer Opill.” Walgreens is the next in line, as well. Since to Perrigo “privacy is very important,” the pill orders will be sent in plain, unbranded boxes and, when they will become available in stores, “customers will be able to choose same-day delivery or buy online and pick-up in store.”
Over-the-counter birth-control pills can benefit women who live in remote rural areas and do not have access to immediate transportation, as well as teens who want to prevent unintended pregnancies.
