Really Get to Know Opill!

Opill is the first over-the-counter birth control pill approved for use in the United States. This milestone is a significant shift in reproductive healthcare by increasing access to contraception without the need for a prescription. Opill is a progestin-only pill, sometimes called the "mini-pill," and it's designed to be taken daily. Opill makes birth control way more accessible. Whether you're between doctors, have a busy schedule, or just want more control over your health, Opill might be a great option! In this post, with help from our Adolescent Medicine residents at the Ybor Youth Clinic, we will dive deeper into the different ways to access Opill, including programs that can help you obtain it at a reduced price! 

• Can I take Opill if I have other health conditions? 

  • You should not take Opill® if you have any of the following medical conditions: 

    •  Current or prior history of Breast Cancer (including if already in remission) Migraine headaches with aura (headaches that start with changes in your vision) 

    • Vaginal bleeding in between periods that has not been discussed already with a doctor 

    • Liver tumors/Liver disease 

    • Of note, do not take Opill® if you are already pregnant or believe that you might be pregnant. Do not take Opill® with another medication and/or device (e.g., IUD) that is also used for birth control. Do not take Opill® if you are a male. 

Do not take Opill® if you are allergic to Opill® or any of its ingredients, including FD&C yellow No.5 (also known as tartrazine). If you have an allergy to aspirin, you might also be allergic to tartrazine. Allergic reactions can lead to symptoms like hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash and blisters. If you experience any allergic reactions, stop using Opill® and seek medical help right away. 

• Does Opill interact with other medications or supplements?  

  • Certain drugs can interact with Opill® to make it less effective, including drugs that treat: 

    • Seizures (i.e., barbiturates, Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenytoin, Topiramate, Primidone) 

    • Tuberculosis (i.e., Rifampin, Rifabutin) 

    • Pulmonary Hypertension (i.e., Bosentan) 

    • HIV/AIDS (i.e., Efavirenz) 

    • Herbal supplements that contain hypericum perforatum, such as St. John’s Wort, can also make Opill less effective. You should also not take Opill® if you had taken ella® (aka, the “morning after pill”), an emergency contraceptive, which contains ulipristal acetate, within the past 5 days, as taking Opill® within this 5-day period might actually reduce the ability of both Opill® and ella® to prevent pregnancy. 

• How much does Opill cost, and is it covered by insurance? 

  • Opill® costs $19.99 for a 1-month pack (28 pills), $49.99 for a 3-month pack (84 pills) and $89.99 for a 6-month pack (168 pills) when purchased online on the Opill® website. Shipping is free and packaging is discreet. You can save 5% with auto-shipping. Retail prices in stores may vary. You can purchase Opill® easily over the counter at many retailers or online. Opill® is a convenient option for anyone without insurance or access to regular medical care. It can be covered by insurance; for instance, some insurance plans such as CVS Caremark® have already added Opill® to their Preventive Medications List. That means Caremark customers may be able to purchase Opill® for $0 out-of-pocket, without a prescription. 

• Where can I buy Opill? 

  • You can purchase Opill® easily over the counter at many retailers in the family planning aisles across all 50 states, or you can purchase it online. Please visit opill.com if you wish to purchase Opill® online. 

• Is Opill available over-the-counter in all states?  

  • Yes. As of March 2024, Opill® is available in the family planning aisles at a wide range of retailers across all 50 states. In addition to availability at physical stores and major online marketplaces, consumers can purchase Opill® on opill.com. 

• Are there any programs to help make Opill more affordable? 

  • The Cost Assistance Program (CAP) is designed to help individuals who have financial or insurance coverage limitations that may make it difficult to afford Opill®. To participate in the program, individuals need to apply and meet specific criteria. Please visit OpillCAP.com to learn more or determine eligibility. In addition, pharmaceutical companies sometimes offer patient assistance programs or discount cards for their medications. Programs like Title X provide family planning services and may offer contraceptives at reduced costs or for free to eligible individuals. Look for clinics in your area that participate in Title X. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other community health centers may offer affordable or sliding-scale fees for reproductive health services. Some pharmacies offer discount programs or cards that can reduce the price of medications. It's worth asking about such options at your local pharmacy. Websites that aggregate information on prescription coupons, like GoodRx or RxSaver, can help you find the best prices for Opill® at local pharmacies. 

• Can I get Opill online? 

  • Yes! Opill® is available for purchase online. Please visit https://opill.com/products/opill for more information. 

Opill is a significant step forward in making birth control more accessible and empowering individuals to take charge of their reproductive health. With Opill being available over the counter, more people can make informed decisions without barriers. However, like any medication, it’s essential to understand how to use it correctly for maximum effectiveness. As awareness increases, so does the potential for reducing unplanned pregnancies and supporting reproductive freedom. When considering Opill for yourself or wanting to stay informed, staying educated is essential. The more we talk about options like this, the more we normalize access and choice in healthcare!

John Wiegand, MD   

PGY-2 USF Pediatrics   

Ybor Youth Clinic  - You can learn more information about making an appointment here!