Credit: charnsitr/Adobe Stock;
Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control medication will be available in U.S. stores and online later this month. Perrigo, the Ireland-based manufacturer, said Monday it began shipments of the once-a-day pill to retailers and pharmacies. The recommended retail price lands at about $20 for a one-month supply and $50 for a three-month supply.
Opill is a progestin-only pill, commonly referred to as a mini-pill, because it does not contain estrogen like most other contraceptive pill formulations on the market. While both formulations are effective, progestin-only pills typically come with less side effects and are more popular. Progestin-only pills are also effective for individuals with other medical conditions that might prevent them from taking other forms of birth control.
Recommended For You
The news comes after a nearly decade-long battle to make birth control available to women and teens in the U.S. without a prescription. Opill was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter status last July. Now, women and teens will be able to purchase the contraceptive at drug stores, convenience stores and online without needing to visit a health provider or obtain a prescription. Additionally, there will be no age restrictions on the sale of Opill.
However, individuals who are hoping the cost will be covered by health insurance will likely still need a prescription from their doctor. Supporters of affordable birth control are advocating for the federal government to make no-cost coverage without a prescription a requirement. Currently, only eight states require health insurance plans to cover at least one form of over-the-counter contraception without a prescription or copayment.
Related: FDA approves the first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill
Perrigo has shared that a cost-assistance program will be made available to help qualified low-income and uninsured individuals obtain Opill at low or no cost. Additionally, Opill may be available for reimbursement under Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts, depending on individual employer restrictions.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
