The birth control pill is used to prevent pregnancy and will be available without a prescription.
Opill is made by the pharmaceutical company
Drug maker says pill will be affordable and easy to get
At a news briefing last July, Frederique Welgryn,
A study published earlier this year in JAMA Network Open found that in 2021, almost half (45%) of people seeking reproductive health care services experienced at least one barrier to access, and 19% experienced up to three barriers.
'Having over-the-counter access to this progestin-only pill increases patients' ability to obtain contraception that is more effective than other OTC methods like condoms or spermicides,' said
According to the nonprofit Free the Pill, birth control pills are already available over the counter in more than 100 countries, including
Having over-the-counter access to this progestin-only pill increases patients' ability to obtain contraception that is more effective than other OTC methods like condoms or spermicides.'-
Pills only contain one hormone
Progestin-only birth control pills are sometimes known as POPs. The pills contain only one hormone, progestin, and are estrogen-free.
'Progestin-only pills are safer compared to combination birth control pills that contain both progestin and estrogen,' said Chen. 'Progestin-only pills don't have the same risks of blood clots or stroke as combination pills.'
According to the
The most common side effects of such pills include irregular bleeding, headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps or bloating. Other hormonal side effects include acne and mood changes.
Some people should not take Opill
Although people will be able to purchase Opill without a visit to their doctor, Chen cautions that some people should not take the medication.
'People who suspect they are pregnant or have breast cancer or another progestin-sensitive cancer should not take it. The pill could also be less effective in people who are taking certain medications that have drug interactions with the pill - such as medications for epilepsy or antibiotics for tuberculosis,' Chen said.
Other medications that can interfere with birth control pills include anti-HIV drugs, some antifungal drugs, and even some herbs, like St. John's Wort.
Chen encourages patients to discuss any medications they are taking with their doctors.
Preventing unwanted pregnancies
In its statement last July, the FDA addressed the potential effect of Opill on unintended pregnancies.
'Nonprescription availability of Opill may reduce barriers to access by allowing individuals to obtain an oral contraceptive without the need to first see a health care provider. Almost half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the
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