Breaks Barriers as the First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill in the US

In a significant move for reproductive health, Perrigo Company plc has announced the shipment of Opill, the first-ever over-the-counter (OTC) daily birth control pill in the United States. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for OTC use in July 2023 marks a historic moment in contraceptive accessibility, empowering millions to enter a new era of reproductive health.

Opill will be available in-store and online at major retailers nationwide in the coming weeks, with pre-orders already open from select online retailers. Perrigo, a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products, aims to ensure both affordability and availability, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19.99 for a one-month pack and $49.99 for a three-month pack. Additionally, it can be purchased directly from the company’s website at $49.99 for a three-month supply and $89.99 for a six-month supply.

Melissa J. Kottke, MD, MPH, MBA, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Atlanta, GA, praised the availability of an oral contraceptive without a prescription, stating, “Progestin-only pills have been a trusted contraceptive option for decades, yet obtaining a prescription for birth control pills creates unnecessary barriers for many.”

Boasting an impressive 98% effectiveness when taken as directed, making it the most effective OTC birth control method available. With approximately 45% of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the U.S. each year being unintended, Opill® aims to address barriers to accessing more effective birth control options, such as scheduling provider visits, transportation challenges, and cost barriers.

Triona Schmelter, Perrigo Executive Vice President & President, Consumer Self-Care Americas, expressed pride in the historic moment, stating, “We champion the right of women and people to determine their own sexual health journey, and the availability of Opill over-the-counter is truly a historic moment of which our entire organization can be proud.”

Perrigo has actively sought to maximize Opill’s impact and accessibility, ensuring it is available in-store and online at major retailers. Sara Young, Perrigo Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Consumer Self-Care Americas, highlighted the commitment to affordability, stating, “A cost-assistance program will also be available in the coming weeks to help qualified low-income, uninsured individuals obtain Opill at low or no cost.”

Opill may also be eligible for reimbursement through Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts, providing an additional avenue for accessibility. Major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, support OTC oral contraception based on nearly 50 years of use and scientific evidence.