The first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill, Opill, was approved on July 13, 2023, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and will become available in stores by early 2024.
The U.S. is now amongst approximately one hundred other nations that allow the sale of OTC birth control pills. The OTC pill, manufactured by Perrigo, was approved in an effort to make oral contraceptives more accessible, especially to individuals who do not or are not able to regularly see a health care provider.
While newer contraceptives contain progestin and estrogen, Opill contains only progestin, offering fewer side effects and health risks but can be less effective if not taken around the same time each day. There will be no age restrictions for this OTC pill.
Costs
The manufacturer claims the cost of the pill will be kept affordable and that financial assistance will be offered to qualifying individuals. The recommended retail price of the pill is likely to be announced this fall. However, the insurance coverage of Opill remains uncertain.
The Affordable Care Act requires group health plans and insurers to cover birth control at no cost, classified under women’s preventive services. Notable, that requirement applies to prescription products as insurers typically do not cover OTC drugs.
As more information is made available, Creative Benefits, Inc. will release another update.