Oct. 6, 2023 – The first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill will be released in U.S. stores in early 2024. The FDA approved the pill, named Opill, earlier this year. It is a progestin-only daily birth control pill, unlike combination pills that contain estrogen and progestin. Opill, also known as the minipill, will be available for purchase online and in stores without requiring a prescription. Additionally, another pharmaceutical company called Cadence is working on gaining FDA approval for its OTC combination pill called Zena.
The availability of an OTC birth control pill provides more accessibility to contraceptive care for individuals who may have faced challenges in obtaining it earlier. Booking appointments, waiting for the visit, and taking time off work or school can be time-consuming and may take weeks or even months. OTC pills can offer an option for individuals who are waiting on care from their OB/GYNs but still need protection against unwanted pregnancy.
However, the availability of an OTC pill also raises questions about how parents, children, and doctors will approach the topic of birth control. For 16-year-old Maggie Cherkas, the OTC option is appealing as it eliminates the need for doctor’s appointments and prescriptions. However, she intends to discuss it with her mom and doctor before starting it. Open conversations between healthcare providers, parents, and children are crucial to ensure informed decisions regarding birth control.
Dr. Sarah Nosal, a family medicine doctor, plans to discuss the OTC pill with parents and kids in a similar manner to other OTC medications. She will talk about its suitability, potential side effects, and how to use it effectively. Research has shown that progestin-only pills are safe and have a high efficacy rate of up to 98% when used perfectly.
Concerns arise about the cost and insurance coverage of OTC birth control pills. Currently, it is unclear how much Opill will cost, but the manufacturer, Perrigo, has expressed commitment to making it accessible and affordable. Insurance coverage for OTC contraception is uncertain, as some forms may not be covered while others, like Plan B, may be covered with a prescription. Efforts have been made in six states to mandate coverage of OTC birth control pills by government-funded health insurance plans, but the exact insurance coverage for OTC contraception remains uncertain.
Providers worry about insurance companies insisting on trying the OTC progestin-only pill before covering other contraceptive methods, like IUDs or the birth control patch. Furthermore, accessibility, affordability, and confidentiality are important for uninsured individuals, as well as those under someone else’s insurance, to ensure they can access the pill without alerting insurance.
The OTC progestin-only pill also provides an option for teenagers or individuals under their parents’ plan to access contraception without involving insurance. It also serves as an important option for those experiencing contraceptive sabotage in abusive relationships.
While the availability of Opill may not significantly impact patient volume, it could potentially change the dynamic of doctor visits with younger patients. It is important for healthcare providers to educate patients about the limitations of birth control pills, such as their inability to prevent STDs.