The arrival of Opill, the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive in the United States, marks a significant milestone in reproductive health accessibility. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for a three-month supply, Opill offers a convenient and affordable option for individuals seeking birth control.
Perrigo, the company behind Opill, has announced that the product is now available for pre-order from select retailers and will be on shelves in stores and online this month. Once available, Opill can be purchased without a prescription and will be found in the family planning section of most retailers.
Opill has been shown to be 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as directed, making it a reliable choice for contraception. Walgreens and CVS have confirmed that they will offer Opill, with CVS making it available both online and in-store for added privacy and convenience.
While Opill’s availability is a positive development for accessibility, concerns about cost remain. Advocacy groups like Free the Pill have urged Perrigo to price Opill affordably to combat contraceptive inequities. Perrigo has responded by offering a cost assistance program for qualified low-income and uninsured individuals.
Overall, Opill represents a step forward in improving access to high-quality birth control. Its availability as an over-the-counter option provides an additional choice for individuals seeking contraception, complementing existing options available through healthcare providers.
(Source: NPR | CNN | USA Today | PR Newswire)
