What is Opill®?
What is Opill®?
Opill® is a progestin-only pill (POP) and is estrogen-free. Also referred to as a mini pill, it contains a synthetic version (norgestrel) of the naturally produced hormone progesterone. It is a convenient, daily over-the-counter birth control pill that you use every day to prevent pregnancy. The best part is you don't need a prescription from your doctor to purchase it! Opill® is approved by the FDA as a non-prescription daily oral contraceptive pill.
How does Opill® work?
Opill® works by thickening the cervical mucus, which helps block sperm from reaching the egg and by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs in some cycles.
How effective is Opill®?
Opill® is 98% effective when used as directed. See Opill® label for list of instructions.
What is progestin and what does it do?
Progestin is a synthetic form of the natural hormone progesterone. Opill® contains norgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone.
What are the benefits of estrogen-free birth control?
One benefit of estrogen-free (progestin-only) birth control pills, like Opill®, is that they are suitable for females who cannot take estrogen and they are safe for most* people. Another benefit of Opill® is that it is available to buy over-the-counter and without a prescription at retailers in all 50 states and online.
*Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill® label for list of warnings.
What is a mini-pill?
Does Opill® use placebos (sugar pills)?
Each Opill pack contains 28 tablets with 0.075 mg norgestrel each. There are no placebo pills in a pack of Opill®, and you should not take a placebo week (break) between packs.
For maximum effectiveness, you should take one tablet every day at the same time with no breaks between pill packs. Even if you don't have sex very often, continue taking Opill® every day so that it will be working when you need it. Make sure you read all the label information and use Opill® as directed.
What is Opill’s® shelf life?
Each Opill® will have a specific expiration date printed on the packaging. Opill® is effective through the end of the month printed on the blister pack and carton.
More information by topic
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
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