From physician’s appointments to prescriptions to value boundaries, getting dependable, efficient contraception hasn’t at all times been a straightforward course of. However all that’s altering as we speak, as Opill—the primary over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill—begins hitting cabinets at shops throughout the nation.
The capsule is among the hottest types of contraception and has been utilized by hundreds of thousands of individuals for over 60 years, for the reason that Meals & Drug Administration (FDA) first accredited oral contraception in 1960. Final yr, in a momentous transfer, the FDA approved Opill as the primary contraception capsule to be used and not using a prescription.
This marked a historic advancement in entry to contraception, permitting extra individuals to take management of their reproductive and sexual well being.
Because the colourful containers turn into extensively accessible each in shops and on-line, it’s vital to know how Opill works, who can use it, the place to seek out it, and what to anticipate once you take it. Let’s dive into the highest seven issues you want to know earlier than you choose up Opill.
1. Opill is a “mini capsule”
Opill is a every day progestin-only birth control pill that forestalls being pregnant primarily by thickening cervical mucus, making it more durable for the sperm and egg to satisfy.It really works a bit in a different way from combined hormonal birth control pills that include each progestin and estrogen, which additionally sometimes cease ovulation altogether.
Associated Tales
Progestin-only tablets, also called the mini pill, have to be taken on the identical time on daily basis to be efficient at stopping being pregnant.
2. It’s secure for many individuals, but it surely’s not proper for everybody
Opill, like different progestin-only tablets, is a secure and efficient contraception capsule that may be taken by most individuals who can get pregnant. When used as directed, Opill is 98 p.c efficient at stopping being pregnant (only a tad lower than mixed hormonal contraception tablets).
You shouldn’t use Opill or any other brand of mini pill in case you at present have breast most cancers. Likewise, speak to your well being care supplier earlier than utilizing the mini capsule when you’ve got any of the next:
- A historical past of most cancers
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Liver illness or a liver tumor
- A historical past of bariatric surgical procedure
- Lupus
Additionally speak to your supplier about whether or not the mini-pill is secure for you in case you’re taking anticonvulsant medicine, like seizure drugs.
3. You should buy it in shops or on-line
By mid-April, Opill will be on store shelves in any respect main retailers, together with drug shops, pharmacies, and comfort shops throughout the U.S. and its territories. You’ll not want a prescription to get Opill, that means you should purchase it identical to you’ll a bottle of Tylenol or tube of sunscreen. Nevertheless, some shops and retailers may choose to lock up Opill, that means you could have to speak to somebody who works there to have it unlocked.
Moreover, you possibly can order Opill on-line from most main retailers in addition to immediately from the maker, pharmaceutical firm Perrigo.
4. The associated fee would possibly differ relying on the place you purchase it
The steered retail worth of Opill is $19.99 for a one-month supply, $49.99 ($16.66/month) for a three-month provide, and $89.99 ($14.99/month) for a six-month provide (this latter choice will probably be accessible on-line solely). Nevertheless, it is going to be as much as particular person retailers to set their worth, which can differ throughout shops and areas.
For individuals who need assistance affording the capsule, Opill.com could have a price help program accessible quickly.
5. You possibly can simply swap Opill in your present methodology of contraception
That’s proper—you possibly can change from one other methodology of contraception (hormonal or not) to Opill straight away. You will have to make use of a backup methodology of contraception (like condoms) for a pair days, although, depending on which method you’re using proper now and the way constant you’ve been.
In case you’re at present utilizing a hormonal methodology (for instance, different manufacturers of contraception tablets) and have been constantly utilizing that methodology, you can begin taking Opill the day you get it and cease taking your outdated capsule. In case you’re switching from a combination pill to Opill, you’ll wish to ensure you change throughout your lively weeks, not your placebo week. In case you change throughout your placebo week, you’ll have to make use of a backup methodology for 48 hours after starting Opill.
In case you’re on a nonhormonal methodology of contraception, haven’t been utilizing your hormonal methodology constantly, or are at present not on any contraception, you’ll want to make use of a backup methodology of contraception for 48 hours after beginning Opill.
6. You may need unintended effects
Identical to different manufacturers of the mini capsule, some individuals could expertise side effects on Opill. These could embody bleeding modifications, sore breasts, nausea, pimples, or a change in your intercourse drive.
Opill is a four-week lively capsule pack, so you’ll not have a withdrawal bleed throughout the placebo week, like with the mixture capsule. You will have intermittent recognizing, although, which is regular.
7. Consistency is essential
It’s vital to take Opill at the same time every day or inside a three-hour window of that point for it to be efficient at stopping being pregnant. So, say you’re taking your capsule at 8 a.m. on daily basis; if the subsequent day you’re taking it after 11 a.m., you’ll have to make use of a backup contraception methodology for 48 hours (whereas persevering with to take Opill as directed).
In different phrases, if you’re three or extra hours late in your capsule or miss a capsule at any time, use a backup methodology like a condom when you’ve got intercourse within the subsequent two days.
The takeaway
Opill is step one in bridging the hole in individuals’s entry to contraception and their capacity to take management of their reproductive well being journey.
However whereas it’s a complete game-changer that contraception tablets are actually accessible OTC, Opill may not be proper for everybody. For most individuals, contraception is a journey, and nobody methodology goes to work for everybody on a regular basis. Folks typically undergo a number of strategies over the course of their life, and having information about and entry to many strategies is vital to finding a birth control method you like.
If in case you have any questions on Opill or aren’t positive if it’s best for you, speak to your OB/GYN or main care supplier.
Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH, is a board-certified OB/GYN and the CEO of Power to Decide, a corporation with a mission to advance sexual and reproductive well-being for all.
