Frequently Asked Questions About Opill® and Contraception Access
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What is Opill®
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What is Opill®
What is Opill®?
Opill® is a progestin-only pill (POP) and is estrogen free. It contains a synthetic version 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! It's been approved by the FDA as a non-prescription daily oral birth control pill.
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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.
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Buying Opill®
In which aisle of the store can I find and purchase Opill®? Is it available online?
Opill® will be available in the family planning aisles at a wide range of retailers
across all 50 states. In addition to availability at physical stores and major online marketplaces,
consumers can purchase Opill® on opill.com.
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Do I need health insurance to purchase Opill®?
No. You can purchase Opill® easily over the counter at many retailers or online. Opill® is a convenient
option for anyone without insurance or access to regular medical care.
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Can I use my insurance to purchase Opill?
Maybe! Some insurance plans such as CVS Caremark® have already added Opill to their Preventive Medications List. That means Caremark customers may be able to purchase Opill for $0 out-of-pocket, without a prescription.
Please note, we cannot process insurance for purchases made on Opill.com. However, you may be able to submit your receipt for reimbursement to your insurance carrier. Please check your individual plan for eligibility details.
Please note, we cannot process insurance for purchases made on Opill.com. However, you may be able to submit your receipt for reimbursement to your insurance carrier. Please check your individual plan for eligibility details.
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Is Opill® FSA/HSA eligible?
Yes, Opill® is FSA/HSA eligible. Confirm eligibility with your plan as individual plans vary. Purchases covered by insurance or other reimbursement plans are not eligible.
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Which payment methods are accepted for making a purchase on Opill.com?
We gladly accept payment from all major credit cards, ensuring a seamless and secure transaction
process. To provide you with added flexibility, we also accept PayPal as a form of payment. Simply choose the PayPal option at checkout and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
Please note, we cannot process insurance for purchases made on Opill.com. However, you may be able to submit your receipt for reimbursement to your insurance carrier. Please check your individual plan for eligibility details.
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What is the Cost Assistance Program and how does it work?
The Cost Assistance Program (CAP) is designed to help individuals who have financial or insurance coverage limitations that may make it difficult to afford Opill®. To participate in the program, individuals need to apply and meet specific criteria. Please visit OpillCAP.com to learn more or determine eligibility.
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How does an Opill® subscription work?
When you subscribe to auto-delivery, we will automatically bill your designated payment method
approximately 14 days before your current pack ends and will ship your next scheduled shipment. This ensures a seamless delivery of your medication and helps you stay on track with your treatment
plan. You can easily change, pause or cancel your subscription at opill.com/subscription. If you have any concerns or need to update your payment information, please reach out to customer service at support.opill.com.
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When will my next subscription ship?
If you're on a 3-month subscription, your next shipment is scheduled approximately 70 days following
your most recent purchase. For those with a 6-month subscription, your next delivery will be sent out
approximately 154 days after the last one. We strive to deliver your next Opill® shipment well before your current supply ends, that is why we initiate the next delivery about 14 days in advance.
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How do I stop or change my subscription?
Log in to opill.com/subscription to cancel, manage or change your Opill® subscription. If you need
support, please contact customer service at support.opill.com.
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How do I change my shipping address?
You can update your shipping address at opill.com/account or by contacting customer service at support.opill.com.
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How do I update my billing information or change the date of my next delivery?
You can manage your Opill® subscription in your account settings at opill.com/subscription.
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What will show up on my credit card statement when I purchase on opill.com?
When you make a purchase on opill.com, your credit card statement will display the transaction as
"SP OPILL.COM". This ensures that the charge is easily identifiable as a transaction made on opill.com.
"SP OPILL.COM". This ensures that the charge is easily identifiable as a transaction made on opill.com.
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When can I expect my Opill® order?
We will ship your order within 24-48 hours of the time of purchase, excluding weekends and holidays.
Depending on the location, our shipments will usually arrive in 3-5 business days. Remote locations,
Alaska, and Hawaii shipments could take additional time in transit. If you need your order sooner, we
offer 2-day delivery at checkout for an additional charge.
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Will I be able to track my Opill® order?
Yes. You will receive an email from opill.com with shipping information as soon as your order has shipped. Create an account at checkout to view your order history.
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What shipping carrier do you use?
We have partnered with the United States Postal Service (USPS) as our trusted shipping carrier.
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Is my shipment discreet?
Yes. Your privacy is extremely important to us, so we take great care to ensure that your order
is shipped in discreet packaging. You can trust that we use plain, unbranded packaging for all
shipments.
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My package is missing but it says delivered. What do I do?
If your package is marked as delivered but you have not received it, we recommend first filing a
complaint with USPS. You can do this by visiting a nearby post office, contacting the USPS Consumer
Affairs office, or by filing a lost package case online. If you need more assistance, please contact
customer service at support.opill.com.
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Does Opill® accept refunds or returns?
Refunds will only be accepted if there is a problem with the order, such as a damaged product or
missing shipment. Customers must reach out within 30 days for any refund requests. Please contact
customer service at support.opill.com.
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Why is there so much packaging for the 1-month supply?
The packaging is designed to ensure the product remains upright on store shelves.
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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®.
• 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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Stopping Opill®
What if I want to become pregnant while taking Opill®?
Opill® does not delay your ability to get pregnant once you choose to stop taking it.
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What happens if I want to stop taking Opill®?
You can choose to stop Opill® whenever you want! Once you stop taking Opill®, you are no longer
protected against pregnancy.
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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.
• 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.
• 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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Side effects and interactions
What are the most common side effects with Opill®?
The most common side effects are related to changes in bleeding pattern. Some people may find their period becomes less or more frequent, shorter or longer, lighter or heavier than before starting Opill®. Some people may also have some spotting or bleeding between periods or stop having periods while taking Opill®. Less common side effects include headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite,
abdominal pain, cramps or bloating. Most side effects are mild and often resolve on their own [1]. However, if the side effects are severe or persistent, it is important to talk to a doctor.
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Is it normal to have spotting between periods or miss/stop having periods while on Opill®?
Yes, it is completely normal to experience changes in your menstrual bleeding pattern while taking Opill®. This may include spotting between periods as well as the potential for missed or stopped
periods.
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Will I experience an increase in negative mood changes or depression while taking Opill®?
A systematic review of the published literature found that the preponderance of evidence does not support an association between progestin-only contraception and depression. [2]
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What should I do if I experience abdominal pain?
If you are experiencing severe and ongoing pain in your lower abdomen, especially on one side, seek medical help right away. This type of pain could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants in the wrong place. Ectopic pregnancies are uncommon, occurring in approximately 2% of all pregnancies in the U.S. [3] While ectopic pregnancies are rare, they are also a serious medical event that requires medical attention. [4]
Severe persistent belly pain may occur for a few other reasons also and should be assessed right away for proper care and treatment as necessary.
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What do I do if I experience migraine symptoms?
Opill® is safe to use by people who experience migraines. If you start having migraines with aura
(headaches that start with changes in vision) or your migraine headaches get worse, talk to a doctor but continue taking Opill® every day.
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Does Opill® cause weight gain?
No, progestin-only pills like Opill® have not been shown to cause weight gain. [5]
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What if I vomit or have diarrhea within 4 hours after taking Opill®?
If you vomit or have diarrhea within 4 hours of taking Opill®, it's possible that your body didn't fully
absorb the medicine. To be safe, use a condom or another type of barrier method for the next 2 days
(48 hours) every time you have sex. The next day, take your daily tablet at your usual time.
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Are there any allergies I should be aware of when taking Opill®?
Do not take Opill® if you are allergic to this product or any of its ingredients, including FD&C yellow No.5 (also known as tartrazine). If you have an allergy to aspirin, you might also be allergic to tartrazine. Allergic reactions can lead to symptoms like hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash and blisters. If you experience any allergic reactions, stop using Opill® and seek medical help right away.
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What if I have taken an emergency contraceptive (morning after pill) before starting Opill®?
• Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you have taken an emergency contraceptive in the past 5 days.
• Opill® should not be used for 5 days after using the emergency contraceptive ella® which contains ulipristal acetate. This might reduce the ability of both Opill® and ella® to prevent pregnancy. Also, use a condom (or another barrier method) every time you have sex until your next period.
• Opill® should not be used for 5 days after using the emergency contraceptive ella® which contains ulipristal acetate. This might reduce the ability of both Opill® and ella® to prevent pregnancy. Also, use a condom (or another barrier method) every time you have sex until your next period.
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Should I still consult with a doctor before getting Opill® from a pharmacy or online?
Opill® is approved for OTC use by the FDA and therefore, most* people don’t have to consult with a doctor before getting Opill®.
However, you should talk to a doctor prior to use if you:
• currently have vaginal bleeding between periods and have not already talked to a doctor
• have liver tumors or liver disease
• have or have ever had any cancer
• are taking or starting to take any of the following medications, as these may make Opill® less effective:
*Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill® label for list of warnings.
However, you should talk to a doctor prior to use if you:
• currently have vaginal bleeding between periods and have not already talked to a doctor
• have liver tumors or liver disease
• have or have ever had any cancer
• are taking or starting to take any of the following medications, as these may make Opill® less effective:
- - barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, topiramate, primidone (to treat Seizures)
- - rifampin, rifabutin (to treat Tuberculosis, or TB)
- - bosentan (to treat Pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart)
- - efavirenz (to treat HIV/AIDS)
- - St John’s Wort (or any herbal products containing hypericum perforatum)
- - ulipristal acetate (an emergency contraceptive, or morning after pill) in the past 5 days
*Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill® label for list of warnings.
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Are there any interactions with other medicinal products that could affect Opill®?
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or start to take any of the following medications, as
these may make Opill® less effective:
• Certain drugs to treat
• St John's Wort (or any herbal products containing hypericum perforatum)
Your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to use another form of contraception.
• Certain drugs to treat
- - Seizures (barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, topiramate, primidone)
- - Tuberculosis (rifampin, rifabutin)
- - Pulmonary hypertension (bosentan)
- - HIV/AIDS (efavirenz)
• St John's Wort (or any herbal products containing hypericum perforatum)
Your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to use another form of contraception.
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Opill and your Health
Side effects and interaction
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-