The US government allows birth control pills without a prescription
The US government has granted approval for the first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill, known as Opill, as announced by the “Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” The agency stated that Opill will now be accessible without a prescription for women of all ages, with the intention of reducing barriers to contraception. Perrigo, the manufacturer of Opill, anticipates that it will be available over the counter by early 2024. This particular birth control pill, commonly referred to as the “minipill,” is considered a safe form of contraception by medical professionals because it contains only progestin and not oestrogen. Consequently, it has fewer side effects and health risks compared to other forms of contraception.
The most frequently reported side effects of Opill include irregular bleeding, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. The United States now joins over 100 other countries, including the United Kingdom, China, India, and various Latin American nations, where the birth control pill is already available over the counter.
The FDA’s decision follows the unanimous recommendation of an expert advisory panel in May, which supported making the pill accessible without a prescription. During the panel’s hearing, concerns were raised about the comprehension of instructions among young people and those with limited literacy, particularly regarding the precaution for individuals with a history of breast cancer. However, the committee members concluded that women with breast cancer are typically in contact with their doctors and are aware that hormonal contraception is contraindicated for them.
The panel ultimately determined that Opill, which was initially approved by the FDA in 1973, has a well-established history of safety and efficacy in preventing pregnancies. Experts note that women, particularly teenagers, face multiple barriers to accessing reproductive health services, including a lack of health insurance and difficulties with transportation to doctor’s appointments. Additionally, women sometimes encounter stigma and shame from healthcare providers and parents when seeking to obtain contraception.
The FDA’s decision received praise from medical and advocacy groups, including Advocates for Youth, a nonprofit organisation advocating for reproductive health rights, which described the approval as “long overdue.” However, concerns remain regarding the price of Opill, especially for young people. The organisation plans to advocate for insurance companies to consider covering over-the-counter purchases. The exact cost of Opill at pharmacies is still uncertain, but the Biden administration has stated that Perrigo, the manufacturer, will determine its price.
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