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Frequently Asked Questions About Opill® and Contraception Access

Taking Opill®

When can I start taking Opill®?
You can start your first pack of Opill® on any day you choose. For Opill® to be most effective, take one tablet at the same time every day, and no later than 3 hours from the time you took your tablet the day before. You should never skip a tablet or take a break between packs. When you finish one pack of 28 tablets, start the next pack the following day. It's important to take Opill® every day, even if you're on your period or have some spotting or bleeding between periods. Even if you don't have sex very often, continue taking Opill® every day so that it will be working when you need it.
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Does it make a difference when I start my first tablet?
You can start your first pack on any day of your cycle. If you’re switching from another oral contraceptive, patch, or vaginal ring, start taking Opill® the day after you stop the other method.
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Are there ways to remember when to take Opill®?
Choosing a convenient time of day, setting reminders and signing up for a subscription so your next pack is available before your other one runs out are good ways to make sure you don’t miss a pill. Pick a time that works best for you and place the pack somewhere you'll see it often. For instance, you could place it next to your toothbrush, so you won’t forget to take it before brushing your teeth in the morning. Find a spot that works best for you! Still need a helpful reminder? Set an alarm on your smartphone, or put reminders in visual places, such as a bathroom mirror, refrigerator or coffee machine. Buy a new pack of Opill® before finishing your current pack so you can start the next pack on time.
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What if I am late taking my tablet?
Taking your tablet at the same time every day is important for Opill® to be effective. If you are less than 3 hours late taking your tablet, take 1 tablet immediately and go back to taking it at your usual time the following day. If you are more than 3 hours late taking your tablet or miss taking a tablet on 1 or more days, then take 1 tablet as soon as you remember and go back to taking it at your usual time. This means you may have to take 2 tablets in 1 day. Use a condom each time you have sex for the next 2 days.
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What if I want to switch from my current birth control to Opill®?
If you are switching from another daily birth control pill, patch, or vaginal ring, start taking Opill® the day after you stop the other method.
  • You must take your daily tablet at the same time of day every single day.
  • You must use a condom (or another barrier method) every time you have sex during the first 2 days (48 hours) because it takes 2 days to start working.
If you are currently using an injection as your method of birth control, start taking Opill® on the day that your next injection would have been due. Use a condom (or another barrier method) for the first 48 hours after starting Opill®.
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Who can take Opill®?
Opill® is suitable for most* people of reproductive age to use to prevent pregnancy. Many birth control pills contain estrogen, which some people can’t take due to certain medical conditions. Opill® does not contain estrogen. It does not have the increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism) that birth control pills containing estrogen have. Opill® only contains one hormone, progestin, so it’s suitable for most* people to use to prevent pregnancy – even if you have high blood pressure, migraine headaches, are breastfeeding, perimenopausal, or smoke cigarettes.

*Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill® label for list of warnings.
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Who should not take Opill®?
Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer, 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 (intra-uterine device), as an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill). This product does not prevent pregnancy when used after unprotected sex. Do not use if you are allergic to this product or any of its ingredients, such as FD&C yellow No.5 (tartrazine). People allergic to aspirin often have a tartrazine allergy too. Symptoms may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, blisters. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.
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Is Opill® available for people under 18?
Opill® can be safely used by anyone who has started menstruating, regardless of their age. The FDA approved Opill® for people of all reproductive ages.
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Can I use Opill® as an emergency contraceptive?
Opill® is not an emergency contraceptive (morning-after pill) and won’t prevent pregnancy when used after unprotected sex. Opill® and emergency contraceptives serve different purposes. Opill® is a birth control pill that you take every day to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraceptives are used as a one-time option and should be taken after having unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
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How should Opill® be taken following childbirth?
You can start taking Opill® the next day following childbirth. 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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Does my weight effect the use of Opill®? 
There are no restrictions for use of Opill® based on weight.
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How should Opill® be taken following a miscarriage or abortion?
It is recommended to start taking Opill® within the first 7 days, including immediately following the abortion or miscarriage. It is also important to use a condom (or another barrier method) for the first 48 hours after starting Opill®.
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More information by topic


What is Opill®
Buying Opill®
Stopping Opill®
Opill® and your health
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-