All About Opill!
What is Opill?
Opill is an oral contraceptive that was recently approved for over-the-counter use by the FDA. “Over-the-counter” means you do not have to go to the doctor and get a prescription, so you can buy it at a store (like how you would buy Tylenol). This is the first time an oral form of birth control has been approved for over-the-counter use, which is an incredible win for reproductive rights and accessibility. Opill is now available in many major stores (Target, Walmart, CVS, etc.) and online from Opill.com!
There are two different types of birth control pills: Progestin only and combination (estrogen AND progestin). Opill is a progestin only pill (often called a minipill) that is now being offered over the counter without a prescription! Opill and minipills are a bit different from combination birth control because they must be taken at the same time every day to successfully prevent pregnancy.
Opill is NOT an abortion pill! It is an oral contraceptive and will not affect an already conceived fetus!
Why did Opill get approved and not a different oral contraceptive?
Forms of oral contraceptives that have estrogen in them (not like Opill, which only has progestin) can be unsafe for smokers, people with blood clotting disorders, migraines with aura, heart disease, and other medical conditions, which makes it essential to go see a medical provider before taking oral birth control with estrogen in it. Progestin only pills like Opill, however, are safe for almost everyone, so that's why the FDA approved a progestin only pill.
Where can I get Opill and how much does it cost?
Note that all of these prices are based on their Bozeman location, so it does not include sales tax! The cost could vary in your store!
3-month supply is $49.99 (and shipping is free!)
6-month supply is $89.99
1-month supply for $19.99
3-month supply for $49.99
1-month supply of for $18.99
3-month supply for $47.99
1-month supply for $18.97
3-month supply for $47.97
4-month supply for $64.99
Why choose Opill?
Opill doesn’t require a prescription!
It is covered by SOME insurance plans, including CVS Caremark.
You can get it shipped straight to your door in discreet packaging.
Opill is 98% effective (with perfect use)!
Perfect use means that you take Opill exactly as you are supposed to every day. This means that you take it at the exact same time every single day. For many people, this is not a reality! You might take it 15 minutes late one day and 15 minutes early another. While this is not the recommended use, it is considered “typical use”, which is about 85% effective, generally.
It is easy to access through local drug stores and doesn’t require a doctor’s appointment.
Opill has a cost assistance program!
Prescription birth control can cost anywhere from $0-$50 per MONTH depending on insurance status and other factors! So, for many folks (especially those without insurance) Opill will be less expensive than prescription birth control.
Opill.com has a subscription option where Opill can be delivered to you every month!
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effects are changes in menstrual bleeding pattern, spotting between periods, and not having a period anymore. Some less common side effects include headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. Many of these side effects will go away after a few months, but if they are persistent, it is important to talk to a medical provider!
Opill is a great option for a lot of people who are looking for easily accessible and reliable birth control. If you want to try Opill, but are concerned that it is not right for you, you can always come in to Bridgercare and talk to one of our providers about your options! Remember, if you have access to Bridgercare and want to explore other, sometimes more expensive, options we have a sliding fee scale that can bring what you pay all the way down to $0, depending on income! Schedule an appointment today on bridgercare.org or by calling 406-587-0681!