From physician’s appointments to prescriptions to price limitations, getting dependable, efficient contraception hasn’t at all times 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 thousands and thousands of individuals for over 60 years, because the Meals & Drug Administration (FDA) first accredited oral contraception in 1960. Final yr, in a momentous transfer, the FDA accredited Opill as the primary contraception capsule to be used with out a prescription.
This marked a historic development in entry to contraception, permitting extra folks to take management of their reproductive and sexual well being.
Because the colourful bins develop into broadly obtainable each in shops and on-line, it’s necessary to grasp 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 want to know earlier than you decide up Opill.
1. Opill is a “mini capsule”
Opill is a day by day progestin-only contraception capsule 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 mixed hormonal contraception capsules that include each progestin and estrogen, which additionally sometimes cease ovulation altogether.
Progestin-only capsules, additionally known as the mini capsule, should be taken on the similar time each day to be efficient at stopping being pregnant.
2. It’s protected for many individuals, but it surely’s not proper for everybody
Opill, like different progestin-only capsules, 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 capsules).
You shouldn’t use Opill or another model of mini capsule should you at present have breast most cancers. Likewise, discuss 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 discuss to your supplier about whether or not the mini-pill is protected for you should you’re taking anticonvulsant medication, like seizure drugs.
3. You should buy 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, that means you should purchase it identical to you’d a bottle of Tylenol or tube of sunscreen. Nonetheless, some shops and retailers might select to lock up Opill, that means you’ll 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 differ 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 choice can be obtainable on-line solely). Nonetheless, will probably be as much as particular person retailers to set their worth, which can differ throughout shops and areas.
In the event you need assistance affording the capsule, go to OpillCAP.com to be taught extra about Opill’s price help program, which supplies the capsule at low or no price to individuals who qualify. Even should you’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 on your present technique of contraception
That’s proper—you possibly can swap from one other technique of contraception (hormonal or not) to Opill instantly. You might 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.
In the event you’re at present utilizing a hormonal technique (for instance, different manufacturers of contraception capsules) and have been persistently utilizing that technique, you can begin taking Opill the day you get it and cease taking your outdated capsule. In the event you’re switching from a mixture capsule to Opill, you’ll wish to be sure to swap throughout your lively weeks, not your placebo week. In the event you swap throughout your placebo week, you’ll have to make use of a backup technique for 48 hours after beginning Opill.
In the event you’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 uncomfortable side effects
Identical to different manufacturers of the mini capsule, some folks might expertise uncomfortable side effects on Opill. These might embrace 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 throughout the placebo week, like with the mix capsule. You might have intermittent recognizing, although, which is regular.
7. Consistency is vital
It’s necessary to take Opill on the similar time each 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. each 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 on 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 folks’s entry to contraception and their means to take management of their reproductive well being journey.
However whereas it’s a complete game-changer that contraception capsules are actually obtainable OTC, Opill may not 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 crucial to discovering a contraception technique you like.
When you’ve got 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 Energy to Resolve, a corporation with a mission to advance sexual and reproductive well-being for all.
