The process of obtaining oral birth control has changed forever.
Major pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens have recently started to supply Opill, a birth control pill that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for non-prescription use.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for a one-month supply will be $19.99, while a three-month supply will cost $49.99 according to the company. The pill will be accessible through online purchase as well, with a three-month supply priced at $49.99 and a six-month supply at $89.99.
According to the product listings on their websites, both CVS and Walgreens are both selling the products at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
In 1973, Opill was initially granted approval as a means of preventing pregnancies. However, it was later withdrawn from the market in 2005 due to business-related factors.
According to the FDA, when used as instructed, Opill has a success rate of up to 98%. Additionally, the FDA stated that incorporating other forms of contraception, such as condoms, can increase the effectiveness of the medication.
The FDA has stated that the practical application of the drug often results in lower efficacy rates because tablets are not always consumed as directed by the patient.
Studies have found that common side effects of this medication, including nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and irregular vaginal bleeding, are typically mild and will subside without intervention.
According to the FDA, those who have or had breast cancer, are pregnant, are using other methods of birth control, taking emergency contraceptives, or are male should not use Opill.
The manufacturer of the medication stated that certain flexible spending or health savings accounts may cover the expenses for Opill.
A number of states, such as California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Washington, have legislation in place that mandates insurance companies to provide coverage for over-the-counter birth control.
