1st OTC birth control pill expected to be available as early as month's end
Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill, is expected to be on store shelves by the end of March or early April, the drugmaker Perrigo said on Monday.
Opill, the first non-prescription birth control pill approved in the United States, is expected to hit store shelves at major retailers and pharmacies nationwide around the end of the month or early April, the pill’s maker, Perrigo, said Monday.
The oral contraceptive was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter sales last July. Known as a "mini-pill," it contains one hormone, progestin, and is taken daily.
Major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have been pushing for years for an over-the-counter birth control pill. Such options are already in more than 100 other countries, according to Free the Pill, an advocacy group.
“We are excited to learn that Opill is now available for shipping and look forward to this over-the-counter contraception soon becoming available for purchase by people in need of oral hormonal birth control,” ACOG President Dr. Verda Hicks said in a statement.
A one-month supply will cost $19.99 and a three-month supply will cost $49.99, Perrigo said in a statement. A six-month supply will be available to purchase online for $89.99. It will be available to preorder as early as this week, the drugmaker said.
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