From physician’s appointments to prescriptions to price limitations, getting dependable, efficient contraception hasn’t all the time been a simple course of. However all that’s altering immediately, as Opill—the primary over-the-counter (OTC) contraception capsule—begins hitting cabinets at shops throughout the nation.
The capsule is among the hottest types of contraception and has been utilized by hundreds of thousands of individuals for over 60 years, because the Meals & Drug Administration (FDA) first permitted oral contraception in 1960. Final yr, in a momentous transfer, the FDA permitted Opill as the primary contraception capsule to be used with no prescription.
This marked a historic development in entry to contraception, permitting extra individuals to take management of their reproductive and sexual well being.
Because the colourful bins grow to be broadly out there each in shops and on-line, it’s essential to grasp how Opill works, who can use it, the place to seek out it, and what to anticipate once you take it. Let’s dive into the highest seven issues you must know earlier than you decide up Opill.
1. Opill is a “mini capsule”
Opill is a every day progestin-only contraception capsule that stops being pregnant primarily by thickening cervical mucus, making it more durable for the sperm and egg to satisfy.It really works a bit in a different way from mixed hormonal contraception tablets that comprise each progestin and estrogen, which additionally usually cease ovulation altogether.
Progestin-only tablets, additionally known as the mini capsule, must be taken on the identical time every single 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 some other model of mini capsule for those who at present have breast most cancers. Likewise, speak to your well being care supplier earlier than utilizing the mini capsule you probably 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 speak to your supplier about whether or not the mini-pill is protected for you for those who’re taking anticonvulsant medication, like seizure drugs.
3. You should purchase it in shops or on-line
By mid-April, Opill can be on retailer cabinets 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, which means you should buy it similar to you’ll a bottle of Tylenol or tube of sunscreen. Nonetheless, some shops and retailers could select to lock up Opill, which 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 prompt retail worth of Opill is $19.99 for a one-month provide, $49.99 ($16.66/month) for a three-month provide, and $89.99 ($14.99/month) for a six-month provide (this latter possibility can be out there on-line solely). Nonetheless, will probably 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 price help program, which gives the capsule at low or no price to individuals who qualify. Even for those who’re not eligible for this system, anybody can get a 5 p.c low cost on the capsule once they join subscription supply on Opill.com.
5. You possibly can simply swap Opill to your present technique of contraception
That’s proper—you possibly can swap from one other technique of contraception (hormonal or not) to Opill straight away. You’ll have to make use of a backup technique of contraception (like condoms) for a pair days, although, relying on which technique you’re utilizing 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 persistently utilizing that technique, you can begin taking Opill the day you get it and cease taking your previous capsule. If you happen to’re switching from a mixture capsule to Opill, you’ll need to be sure to swap throughout your lively weeks, not your placebo week. If you happen to swap throughout your placebo week, you’ll have to make use of a backup technique for 48 hours after beginning Opill.
If you happen to’re on a nonhormonal technique of contraception, haven’t been utilizing your hormonal technique persistently, 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 might need negative effects
Identical to different manufacturers of the mini capsule, some individuals could expertise negative effects on Opill. These could embrace bleeding modifications, sore breasts, nausea, pimples, 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 mixture capsule. You’ll have intermittent recognizing, although, which is regular.
7. Consistency is vital
It’s essential to take Opill on the identical time every single day or inside a three-hour window of that point for it to be efficient at stopping being pregnant. So, say you’re taking your capsule at 8 a.m. every single day; if the following day you’re 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, in case you are three or extra hours late to your capsule or miss a capsule at any time, use a backup technique like a condom you probably 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 potential to take management of their reproductive well being journey.
However whereas it’s a complete game-changer that contraception tablets at the moment are out there 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 usually undergo a number of strategies over the course of their life, and having information about and entry to many strategies is vital to discovering a contraception technique you like.
In case you have any questions on Opill or aren’t positive if it’s best for you, speak to your OB/GYN or main care supplier.
Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH, is a board-certified OB/GYN and the CEO of Energy to Resolve, a corporation with a mission to advance sexual and reproductive well-being for all.
