GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids-based pharmaceutical company is making history with the release of the first-ever daily birth control pill that doesn't require a prescription.
Opill by Perrigo is an over-the-counter oral birth control pill that is hitting shelves nationwide later this month in one-month and three-month packs. The pill will also be available for sale at Opill.com in three-month and six-month packs.
"For the first time now across America, women will have access to the daily birth control pill, convenient and hassle free," said Evelyn Furia, senior director of Opill and market activation for Perrigo. "We know that in the U.S., about 45% of pregnancies are unintended. This gives women another option of accessing birth control in a convenient way that fits their needs and their health."
Perrigo says the one-month pack's suggested retail price is $19.99 for a one-month pack and $49.99 for a three-month pack. The six-month pack will be sold exclusively online for $89.99.
The pill was approved for use by women of all ages by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July of 2023.
Furia said the pill itself has been around for 50 years, it is just now available over the counter. It is a progestin-only pill, 98% effective when used as directed to prevent pregnancy.
"It also provides access and greater affordability to people across the country who perhaps live in areas where it's more difficult to get to a health care professional or they don't have insurance," said Furia.
According to Marissa Roslyn-Clark, a family nurse practitioner specializing in women's and reproductive health at Corewell Health, a progestin-only pill has been around since 1973. It's something they prescribe often for women who have a history of high blood pressure, strokes and those who may be breastfeeding.
"The only caveat is that you have to be sure that you're taking it at the same time every day, and that you're taking it every day," said Roslyn-Clark.
A secondary form of contraception is recommended for two days after you start the pill or after missing a dose.
Roslyn-Clark wants people to realize there is a difference between this pill and Plan B, which is an emergency contraception.
"When I saw the press release, I was like, 'Yes, finally!'" said Roslyn-Clark. "I am super excited for this to be available over the counter."
To check for the availability of Opill near you, you can visit Opill.com and sign up for an alert when they are available online or in stores near you.
Perrigo also says that some customers may be eligible for reimbursements from Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts based on your plans.
RELATED: Over-the-counter birth control pill hits US stores this month. Here's how much it will cost
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