“Opill Launches: First Over-the-Counter Oral Contraceptive Hits U.S. Market”
Opill, the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive in the U.S., is hitting stores and online this month, priced at $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for three months, announced by manufacturer Perrigo. Available at major retailers, pharmacies, and Opill.com, Opill’s launch allows for easy access without a prescription. Perrigo’s executive, Triona Schmelter, anticipates a few weeks for distribution, but assures consumers of its soon availability in the family planning sections of most retailers.
Opill boasts a 98% effectiveness rate when taken daily as directed, slightly lower than the typical 99% effectiveness of prescribed birth control pills. Walgreens and CVS are among the chains offering Opill, with CVS adding online and app purchasing options, emphasizing privacy and convenience with options like same-day delivery.
Stix, a women’s health hub, plans to offer Opill, highlighting the importance of affordable access to contraception. Despite the Affordable Care Act’s provision for free birth control under most insurance plans, the cost of Opill raises concerns about accessibility. A survey by KFF in 2022 found varying willingness to pay for over-the-counter pills, with only 34% willing to pay up to $20 per month. Advocacy group Free the Pill has urged Perrigo to lower the price to $15 for a three-month supply to address contraceptive inequities and ensure broader accessibility.
