From physician’s appointments to prescriptions to price obstacles, getting dependable, efficient contraception hasn’t at all times been a simple course of. However all that’s altering right now, as Opill—the primary over-the-counter (OTC) contraception capsule—begins hitting cabinets at shops throughout the nation.
The capsule is without doubt one of the hottest types of contraception and has been utilized by tens of millions of individuals for over 60 years, for the reason that Meals & Drug Administration (FDA) first accepted oral contraception in 1960. Final yr, in a momentous transfer, the FDA accepted Opill as the primary contraception capsule to be used with no 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 containers develop into extensively accessible each in shops and on-line, it’s vital to grasp how Opill works, who can use it, the place to seek out it, and what to anticipate whenever you take it. Let’s dive into the highest seven issues it’s essential know earlier than you choose 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 fulfill.It really works a bit in another way from mixed hormonal contraception tablets that include each progestin and estrogen, which additionally usually cease ovulation altogether.
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Progestin-only tablets, additionally known as the mini capsule, must be taken on the similar time each day to be efficient at stopping being pregnant.
2. It’s secure for many individuals, but it surely’s not proper for everybody
Opill, like different progestin-only tablets, is a secure and efficient contraception capsule that may be taken by most individuals who can get pregnant. When used as directed, Opill is 98 % efficient at stopping being pregnant (only a tad lower than mixed hormonal contraception tablets).
You shouldn’t use Opill or another model of mini capsule should you at the moment have breast most cancers. Likewise, discuss to your well being care supplier earlier than utilizing the mini capsule in case you 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 secure for you should you’re taking anticonvulsant medicine, like seizure drugs.
3. You should buy it in shops or on-line
By mid-April, Opill shall 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 purchase it identical to you’ll a bottle of Tylenol or tube of sunscreen. Nonetheless, some shops and retailers might select to lock up Opill, which 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 immediately from the maker, pharmaceutical firm Perrigo.
4. The fee may differ relying on the place you purchase it
The recommended 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 shall be accessible on-line solely). Nonetheless, it is going to be as much as particular person retailers to set their worth, which can differ throughout shops and areas.
For individuals who need assistance affording the capsule, Opill.com may have a value help program accessible quickly.
5. You possibly can simply swap Opill to your present methodology of contraception
That’s proper—you possibly can change from one other methodology of contraception (hormonal or not) to Opill instantly. You might have to make use of a backup methodology of contraception (like condoms) for a pair days, although, relying on which methodology you’re utilizing proper now and the way constant you’ve been.
In case you’re at the moment utilizing a hormonal methodology (for instance, different manufacturers of contraception tablets) and have been constantly utilizing that methodology, you can begin taking Opill the day you get it and cease taking your previous capsule. In case you’re switching from a mixture capsule to Opill, you’ll need to ensure you change throughout your lively weeks, not your placebo week. In case you change throughout your placebo week, you’ll have to make use of a backup methodology for 48 hours after beginning Opill.
In case you’re on a nonhormonal methodology of contraception, haven’t been utilizing your hormonal methodology constantly, or are at the moment not on any contraception, you’ll want to make use of a backup methodology of contraception for 48 hours after beginning Opill.
6. You may need unintended effects
Identical to different manufacturers of the mini capsule, some folks might expertise unintended effects on Opill. These might 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 throughout the placebo week, like with the mix capsule. You might have intermittent recognizing, although, which is regular.
7. Consistency is essential
It’s vital 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 subsequent day you’re taking it after 11 a.m., you’ll have to make use of a backup contraception methodology for 48 hours (whereas persevering with to take Opill as directed).
In different phrases, if you’re three or extra hours late to your capsule or miss a capsule at any time, use a backup methodology like a condom in case you 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 capability to take management of their reproductive well being journey.
However whereas it’s a complete game-changer that contraception tablets at the moment are accessible OTC, Opill may not be proper for everybody. For most individuals, contraception is a journey, and nobody methodology goes to work for everybody on a regular basis. Folks 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 methodology you like.
In case you have any questions on Opill or aren’t certain if it’s best for you, discuss 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 Determine, a corporation with a mission to advance sexual and reproductive well-being for all.
