Opill, birth contraceptive approved in the United States, is expected to hit commercial market at major retailers and pharmacies nationwide around the end of the month or early April, the pill’s maker, Perrigo, revealed on 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, to be 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.
Opill was found to be 93% effective in preventing pregnancy with typical use, according to a study presented at the committee meeting, similar to prescription birth control pills. The pill must be taken at the same time every day or there is the risk of an unintended pregnancy.
In its approval, the FDA noted that side effects such as irregular bleeding may require seeing a doctor.
OTC Contraceptive To Be Available This Month
