How Opill® Works: Your Trusted OTC Birth Control 

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My contraception journey has been bumpy and often it’s been difficult to know which way to turn without making compromises. I want the freedom and control to get safe and effective birth control easily.

Can you relate? Us, too. With Opill®, you can access effective and safe daily oral contraception on your terms. Brought to you by Perrigo, a champion in women’s health, Opill® is the first and only FDA-approved daily oral contraceptive for over the counter (OTC) use.

Let’s be real: Life can get hard. Getting birth control doesn’t have to be. This is birth control that’s there for you when — and where — you need it. It gives you the ability to start and stop without compromising your health. Control and convenience? Done and done.

What is Opill®?

Daily birth control pills your way.

Opill® is a progestin-only birth control pill (also known as a POP or mini pill.6) It contains only one hormone, progestin (norgestrel). Each tablet of Opill® contains 0.075 mg of norgestrel. Is Opill® the same as other hormonal birth control pills? No. Many other birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. Unlike combination birth control pills, Opill® is estrogen-free. As the first FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) daily birth control pill, Opill® is also more accessible than many other birth control pill alternatives.

How does Opill® work?

Rx Strength — Without the Rx.6

Opill® works in multiple ways. It causes cervical mucus to thicken and prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg in some cycles. Opill® works by6:

  • Increasing cervical mucus viscosity

    : Thickens the cervical mucus, which helps block sperm from reaching the egg.4

  • Suppressing ovulation in some cycles

    : May also prevent ovaries from releasing eggs in some cycles.4

What to expect when taking Opill®

Contraception can be complicated. Let’s break it down.

It starts working 48 hours, AKA 2 days*, after you take your first pill.6 Be sure to use a barrier method like condoms for the first two days to prevent pregnancy.

Progestin-only pills like Opill® have a well-established safety profile supported by decades of real-world experience2 Side effects vary by individual. The most-frequently reported side effect is irregular bleeding.8 That said, in a survey of people who used Opill® during a US clinical trial, 58% said the bleeding was similar to or better than their previous hormonal contraceptive method.3

Other potential side effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Increased appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Cramps
  • Bloating

See the Opill® Drug Facts for a full list of warnings and potential side effects.

Who is Opill® for?

Total control over contraception? Yes, please.

Opill® is available to anyone to buy over-the-counter and online — no prescription or doctor’s appointment needed. As long as you are menstruating, it is suitable for you to use.**8 Opill® can be taken by most** people who can get pregnant and will be available nationwide.6

Plus, the use of Opill® is not restricted by age. Opill®’s progestin-only, estrogen-free formula is suitable for most** people of reproductive age, including those who have a contraindication to estrogen, such as those who have high blood pressure or migraine with aura, are breastfeeding, or who are smokers over 35. Opill® is also suitable for females who cannot take estrogen. However, it is important to note that Opill® should not be used by anyone who has or has had breast cancer.

No health insurance? No problem. Opill® is a great alternative for those without health insurance or frequent access to medical services. Opill® does not require a prescription or a doctor’s appointment before you begin use7.

How effective is Opill® at preventing pregnancy?

Opill® is 98% effective.*

No other contraception is similarly effective* without a prescription. Opill® is 98% effective* at preventing pregnancy when used as directed. Opill® is more effective* than condoms at preventing pregnancy. Keep in mind, it does not prevent STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).

Is taking Opill® safe?

Absolutely. Fifty years of use and scientific evidence show that progestin-only pills are safe and effective at preventing pregnancy. According to the Food and Drug Administration, Progestin-only pills like Opill® have been considered a safe method of contraception for 50 years.2

How is Opill® different from emergency birth control like Plan B?

Opill® is NOT an emergency contraceptive and does not prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.2 And just a reminder — like other birth control pills, Opill® does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

How to Take Opill®

One Pill. Each Day. Every day.6

It’s easy to start Opill®. For maximum efficacy, take Opill® within the same 3-hour timeframe. Just swallow one pill at the same time every day7. (It’s simple.) Then, it starts working 48 hours after initiation.*

We get it, life gets hectic. Set a reminder to sign up for a subscription to make sure you don’t miss a pill. You can start Opill® on any day of the week or your cycle. Switching from another oral contraceptive, vaginal ring, or patch? Start the day after you stop your previous contraceptive method. Planning to get pregnant? You can also stop using it at any time without finishing the pack.

How to Get Opill®

No Prescription. No Appointment. No Hassle.

With Opill®, you’re in control of your choices, your contraception, and your future.7

In-Store

Opill® is available without a prescription at local retailers in the US.

Online

Order Opill® online and have it delivered to your door in discreet packaging.

Subscribe

Sign up for a 3-month or 6-month subscription to make sure you get your next pack before you run out.

*When used as directed.
**Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill® label for a list of warnings.

References

[1] (n.d.). Women's Health | corporate. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.perrigo.com/womens-health
[2] Curtis KM, Tepper NK, & Jatlaoui TC et. al. (2016). U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (63(3):1-103 ed.). MMWR Recomm Rep.
[3] Grindlay, K., Key, K., Zuniga, C., Wollum, A., Blanchard, K., & Grossman, D. (n.d.). Interest in Continued Use After Participation in a Study of Over-the-Counter Progestin-Only Pills in the United States. Women's Health Reports, 3(1), 904-914.
[4] Han et. al. (n.d.). Mechanism of action of a 0.075 mg norgestrel progestogen-only pill 2. Effect on cervical mucus and theoretical risk of conception. In Contraception 2022.
[5] Mazon, C., & DiVasta, A. D. (2023, November 8). Opill: Is this new birth control pill right for you? Harvard Health. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/opill-is-this-new-birth-control-pill-right-for-you-202311082989
[6] Norgestrel tablets 0.075mg. (2023, July 13). accessdata.fda.gov. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/017031s041lbl.pdf
[7] Opill (0.075mg Oral Norgestrel Tablet) Information. (2023, July 13). FDA. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/opill-0075mg-oral-norgestrel-tablet-information
[8] This memorandum reflects my conclusions regarding new drug application (NDA) 017031, supplement 41 for full prescription-to-nonp. (2023, July 13). accessdata.fda.gov. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2023/017031Orig1s041SumR.pdf
[9] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). New Drug Application (NDA): 017031. Drugs@FDA: FDA-Approved Drugs. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=017031