The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the nation’s first over-the-counter birth control pill, clearing the way for women and girls to purchase contraceptive medication in the United States without a prescription.
Opill, a once-a-day pill developed by Perrigo, will be moved from behind the pharmacy counter and into drug store aisles some time next year. The Ireland-based company said it would outline pricing and distribution plans in the near future, but noted there will be no age restrictions on sales.
Hormone pills have long been the most common form of birth control in the U.S. since the early 1960s. Despite their popularity — and availability in drug stores in 100 other countries around the world — all of them have required a prescription up until now.
Other women, particularly women and girls of color and those with low incomes, have reported facing significant hurdles in both obtaining prescriptions and safely picking up the pill. Some reported they are unable to set up or afford doctors visits
“Nonprescription availability of Opill may reduce barriers to access by allowing individuals to obtain an oral contraceptive without the need to first see a health care provider,” the FDA said in a statement issued after Opill’s approval. “Almost half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the U.S. each year are unintended.”
Opill is expected to be available over the counter in stores starting in January or February, according to Perrigo. It will not have an age restriction. The suggested retail price is expected to be announced this fall. The FDA decision applies only to Opill, not to other birth control pills.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/07/13/birth-control-pill-over-the-counter-fda-approval/
h/t White Boy Rick
Views: 77