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Frequently Asked Questions About Opill® and Contraception Access

Opill® and Your Health

How do I know if Opill® is right for me?
Opill® is suitable for most* people who can get pregnant, from the time they have their first period until menopause. However, do not use Opill®:
  • if you have or ever had breast cancer, because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones like the one in Opill®. See Opill® label for list of warnings.
  • if you are already pregnant or think you may be pregnant
  • together with another birth control pill, vaginal ring, patch, implant, injection or an IUD (intrauterine device)
  • as an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill). This product does not prevent pregnancy when used after unprotected sex
  • if you are male
*Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill® label for list of warnings.
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Can I use Opill® to treat my acne?
No. Opill® is only indicated for pregnancy prevention.
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Can I use Opill® to help my painful periods, or help to regulate my periods?
No. Opill® is only indicated for pregnancy prevention.
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Can Opill® be used by people who have or ever had breast cancer?
No. Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer. Some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones like the one found in Opill®. See Opill® label for list of warnings.
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How will Opill® affect my libido?
There is very limited data on the effects of progestin-only pills on libido. However, in one small study of a progestin-only pill similar to Opill®, no negative sexual effects were observed. [6]
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Will Opill® protect someone against HIV/AIDS and other STDs?
Opill® does NOT protect against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You should use condoms to protect against HIV/AIDS or other STDs.
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I have HIV. Can I still take Opill®?
Yes, Opill® is safe for people with HIV infection. [7] However, you should talk to your doctor if you're taking efavirenz, a medication for HIV/AIDS. This is because efavirenz can reduce the effectiveness of progestin-only pills like Opill®. Anyone with HIV/AIDS should continue to see their doctor for treatment and monitoring.
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Can I use Opill® if I have high blood pressure (hypertension)?
Yes, you can use Opill® even if you have high blood pressure. [7] However, it's important to keep in touch with your doctor to stay on top of your condition.
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Can I use Opill® if I have a history of blood clots?
Yes, you can use Opill® even if you have a history of blood clots. [7] However, it's important to keep in touch with your doctor to stay on top of your condition.
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When can I start taking Opill® after childbirth?
You can start taking Opill® as soon as the day after you give birth. While most healthcare professionals do not recommend having sex until 4-6 weeks after childbirth, if you choose to have sex, make sure to use a condom (or another barrier method) for the first 48 hours after starting / re-starting Opill®.
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Can I take Opill® while breastfeeding? Does Opill® impact breast milk production?
Opill® is safe to use while breastfeeding. A small amount of the medication may pass into the breast milk, but there have been no negative effects observed on breastfeeding performance or the baby's health. So, you can feel confident using Opill® while breastfeeding your little one.
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Can Opill® be taken in pregnancy? What do I do if I become pregnant while on Opill®?
Opill® is specifically designed to prevent pregnancy, so it should not be used if you are already pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Stop taking this product and talk to a doctor if you get pregnant while taking Opill®.

Signs that you may be pregnant might include: missed periods, tender breasts, feeling nauseous, fatigue, and/or needing to urinate urgently or more frequently.

Take a pregnancy test or talk to a doctor if your period is late after missing any tablets in the last month, if you have not had a period for 2 months, or if you think you may be pregnant.
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Can I use Opill® if I have migraines or migraines with aura? What do I do if I experience migraines while taking Opill®?
Yes. Opill® is a suitable option for individuals who have migraines, including those with migraine with aura. [7] If your migraine headaches become more frequent or severe, you should consult with your doctor for appropriate evaluation.
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Can I take Opill® if I have diabetes?
Yes, you can use Opill® if you have diabetes. [7] As always, it is recommended to continue to follow up with your doctor for your condition.
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Can I take Opill® if I have lactose intolerance?
Opill® contains lactose. Typically, this should not be a problem for people with lactose intolerance. However, if you have a lactose allergy or lactose intolerance concerns, consult with your healthcare provider before starting Opill®.
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Is Opill® gluten free?
Yes, Opill® is free of gluten.
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Is Opill® vegetarian or vegan?
Opill® is suitable for people who follow a vegetarian diet, but not for vegans. This is because Opill® contains an ingredient called lactose monohydrate, which is derived from animals.
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More information by topic


What is Opill®
Buying Opill®
Taking Opill®
Stopping Opill®
Side effects and interactions



References

[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, July 14). Opill (0.075mg Oral Norgestrel Tablet) Information. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-andproviders/opill-0075mg-oral-norgestrel-tablet-information

[2] Worly BL, Gur TL, Schaffir J. The relationship between progestin hormonal contraception and depression: a systematic review. Contraception. 2018 Jun;97(6):478-489. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.01.010. Epub 2018 Feb 26. PMID: 29496297.

[3] Lee IT, Barnhart KT. What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy? JAMA. 2023;329(5):434. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.22941

[4] Planned Parenthood. What is ectopic pregnancy?: Definition and treatment. Ectopic Pregnancy.Retrieved November 17, 2023, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy.

[5] Lopez LM, Ramesh S, Chen M, Edelman A, Otterness C, Trussell J, Helmerhorst FM. Progestin-only contraceptives: effects on weight. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Aug 28;2016(8):CD008815. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008815.pub4. PMID: 27567593; PMCID: PMC5034734.

[6] Graham CA, Ramos R, Bancroft J, Maglaya C, Farley TM. The effects of steroidal contraceptives on the well-being and sexuality of women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-centre study of combined and progestogen-only methods. Contraception. 1995 Dec;52(6):363-9. doi:10.1016/0010-7824(95)00226-x. PMID: 8749600.

[7] Curtis KM et al. U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016. MMWR Recomm Rep 2016;65(No. RR-3):1–104. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr6503a1Curtis KM et al. U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016. MMWR Recomm Rep 2016;65(No. RR-3):1–104. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr6503a1-8-