From physician’s appointments to prescriptions to value obstacles, getting dependable, efficient contraception hasn’t at all times been a simple course of. However all that’s altering as we speak, as Opill—the primary over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill—begins hitting cabinets at shops throughout the nation.
The capsule is without doubt one of the hottest types of contraception and has been utilized by hundreds of thousands of individuals for over 60 years, for the reason that Meals & Drug Administration (FDA) first accepted oral contraception in 1960. Final 12 months, in a momentous transfer, the FDA approved Opill as the primary contraception capsule to be used with no prescription.
This marked a historic advancement in entry to contraception, permitting extra individuals to take management of their reproductive and sexual well being.
Because the colourful packing containers grow to be extensively obtainable each in shops and on-line, it’s essential to know how Opill works, who can use it, the place to search out it, and what to anticipate once you take it. Let’s dive into the highest seven issues you should know earlier than you choose up Opill.
1. Opill is a “mini capsule”
Opill is a day by day progestin-only birth control pill that stops being pregnant primarily by thickening cervical mucus, making it more durable for the sperm and egg to fulfill.It really works a bit otherwise from combined hormonal birth control pills that comprise each progestin and estrogen, which additionally sometimes cease ovulation altogether.
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Progestin-only tablets, also called the mini pill, should be taken on the identical time day-after-day to be efficient at stopping being pregnant.
2. It’s protected for many individuals, nevertheless it’s not proper for everybody
Opill, like different progestin-only tablets, is a protected and efficient contraception capsule that may be taken by most individuals who can get pregnant. When used as directed, Opill is 98 p.c efficient at stopping being pregnant (only a tad lower than mixed hormonal contraception tablets).
You shouldn’t use Opill or any other brand of mini pill when you at present have breast most cancers. Likewise, discuss to your well being care supplier earlier than utilizing the mini capsule in case you have any of the next:
- A historical past of most cancers
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Liver illness or a liver tumor
- A historical past of bariatric surgical procedure
- Lupus
Additionally discuss to your supplier about whether or not the mini-pill is protected for you when you’re taking anticonvulsant medication, like seizure medicines.
3. You should buy it in shops or on-line
By mid-April, Opill will be on store shelves in any respect main retailers, together with drug shops, pharmacies, and comfort shops throughout the U.S. and its territories. You’ll not want a prescription to get Opill, that means you should buy it similar to you’ll a bottle of Tylenol or tube of sunscreen. Nevertheless, some shops and retailers may choose to lock up Opill, that means you might have to speak to somebody who works there to have it unlocked.
Moreover, you possibly can order Opill on-line from most main retailers in addition to straight from the maker, pharmaceutical firm Perrigo.
4. The associated fee would possibly fluctuate relying on the place you purchase it
The recommended retail worth of Opill is $19.99 for a one-month supply, $49.99 ($16.66/month) for a three-month provide, and $89.99 ($14.99/month) for a six-month provide (this latter choice can be obtainable on-line solely). Nevertheless, it is going to be as much as particular person retailers to set their worth, which can fluctuate throughout shops and places.
If you happen to need assistance affording the capsule, go to OpillCAP.com to study extra about Opill’s value help program, which offers the capsule at low or no value to individuals who qualify. Even when you’re not eligible for this system, anybody can get a 5 p.c low cost on the capsule after they join subscription supply on Opill.com.
5. You’ll be able to simply swap Opill in your present technique of contraception
That’s proper—you possibly can change from one other technique of contraception (hormonal or not) to Opill instantly. You could have to make use of a backup technique of contraception (like condoms) for a pair days, although, depending on which method you’re using proper now and the way constant you’ve been.
If you happen to’re at present utilizing a hormonal technique (for instance, different manufacturers of contraception tablets) and have been constantly utilizing that technique, you can begin taking Opill the day you get it and cease taking your outdated capsule. If you happen to’re switching from a combination pill to Opill, you’ll wish to be sure you change throughout your lively weeks, not your placebo week. If you happen to change throughout your placebo week, you’ll have to make use of a backup technique for 48 hours after starting Opill.
If you happen to’re on a nonhormonal technique of contraception, haven’t been utilizing your hormonal technique constantly, or are at present not on any contraception, you’ll want to make use of a backup technique of contraception for 48 hours after beginning Opill.
6. You may need unintended effects
Identical to different manufacturers of the mini capsule, some individuals might expertise side effects on Opill. These might embody bleeding adjustments, sore breasts, nausea, zits, or a change in your intercourse drive.
Opill is a four-week lively capsule pack, so you’ll not have a withdrawal bleed through the placebo week, like with the mix capsule. You could have intermittent recognizing, although, which is regular.
7. Consistency is vital
It’s essential to take Opill at the same time every day or inside a three-hour window of that point for it to be efficient at stopping being pregnant. So, say you are taking your capsule at 8 a.m. day-after-day; if the following day you are taking it after 11 a.m., you’ll have to make use of a backup contraception technique for 48 hours (whereas persevering with to take Opill as directed).
In different phrases, if you’re three or extra hours late in your capsule or miss a capsule at any time, use a backup technique like a condom in case you have intercourse within the subsequent two days.
The takeaway
Opill is step one in bridging the hole in individuals’s entry to contraception and their capacity to take management of their reproductive well being journey.
However whereas it’s a complete game-changer that contraception tablets are actually obtainable OTC, Opill won’t be proper for everybody. For most individuals, contraception is a journey, and nobody technique goes to work for everybody on a regular basis. Individuals typically undergo a number of strategies over the course of their life, and having data about and entry to many strategies is important to finding a birth control method you like.
If in case you have any questions on Opill or aren’t positive if it’s best for you, discuss to your OB/GYN or major care supplier.
Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH, is a board-certified OB/GYN and the CEO of Power to Decide, a corporation with a mission to advance sexual and reproductive well-being for all.
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