Birth Control Pill Will Soon Be Available Over-the-Counter in the U.S

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill, broadening access to buy birth control pills without a prescription.

Highlights:

Oral contraceptive Opill has been approved by the United States FDA for over-the-counter use
This approval allows women to access birth control at their local pharmacy or drug store, eliminating some barriers
The pill expected to be on shelves in early 2024 could change the view of contraception over time

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opill tablets to prevent pregnancy without a prescription. Approval of this over-the-counter birth control pill provides an option for people to purchase medicine without a prescription at drug stores, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

Barriers such as taking time off work for an appointment, paying an office visit copay, or navigating sometimes-confusing prescription refill protocols are some of the reasons for inconsistent use or lack of use of contraception (). All these could be avoided in the future.

Birth Control Pills | Contraceptive Pills Types Advantages Side Effects & Risks
Oral contraceptive or birth control pills contain hormones that prevent pregnancy. It is one of the most reliable methods of contraception.

‘Opill containing progesterone hormone is the only nonprescription daily oral contraceptive that will be available in stores and online for millions of people in the United States.#BirthControlPill #Abortion #ReproductiveHealth’

Here’s what you need to know about how Opill differs from other forms of oral contraception, and what challenges may lie ahead.

Opill: New Over-the-counter Birth Control Pill in U.S Drug Stores

Opill is a birth control pill that uses progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone hormone alone. Whereas the most used form of oral contraception, contains both estrogen and progesterone hormones to prevent pregnancy.

The 0.075-milligram tablet was approved for prescription use by the FDA in 1973. Opill is not an emergency contraception or abortion medication. This pill works by creating thick cervical mucus that makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg. In some cases, stops ovulation from occurring.

Birth control pills are also used apart from preventing pregnancy for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome], for treating heavy and painful periods. There is no age limit to buy Opill. Hence, this major decision has a huge impact on adolescents and young adults who may not otherwise have the resources to access birth control ().

Use of Birth Control Pills for the Treatment of Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that usually affects adolescents. Birth control pills can be used to treat severe acne in women.

If someone wants reproductive health care but needs birth control right away, they can start Opill until they can see a provider and discuss all the contraceptive options available. Experts believe the approval of Opill can also help bring peace of mind to marginalized groups.

Challenges to OTC birth control

Opill may have some similar side effects to combination pills such as irregular bleeding, headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. However, Progestin-only pills are safer for people having migraine headaches, uncontrolled blood pressure, and who are at high risk of blood clots.

Opill should not be used by women with breast cancer or any other form of cancer. It also should not be used together with another hormonal birth control product such vaginal ring, a contraceptive patch, a contraceptive implant, a contraceptive injection, or an IUD (intra-uterine device).

Birth Control Pills may Slightly Alter the Structure of Women's Brains
Women taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) had significantly smaller hypothalamus volume than the women not taking the pill, according to a new study.

Opill’s cost is one of the biggest unknowns after its OTC approval, and it’s not clear whether the contraceptive will be covered by insurance.

Consider new actions to improve access to affordable over-the-counter contraception, pharmacies, employers, and insurers should discuss the coverage of over-the-counter contraception at no cost to patients; and provide guidance to support seamless coverage of over-the-counter contraception.

How Does Hormonal Birth Control Affect Your Mood?
Depression in women post pregnancy is linked to hormonal changes, e.g., in relation to initiation of hormonal birth control.

Some experts fear legal challenges to Opill’s approval after the US Supreme Court’s decision challenging the FDA’s approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. Fearing the outcome of the mifepristone case could certainly have implications for Opill’s approval or any drug approval ().

Women should inform a health care provider if they develop repeated vaginal bleeding after sex or prolonged episodes of bleeding or amenorrhea (absence of menstrual period). Women who miss two periods (or have missed a single period and have missed doses of Opill) or suspect they may be pregnant should take a pregnancy test. Consumers should discontinue Opill if pregnancy is confirmed.

Always remember oral contraceptives do not protect against transmission of HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Therefore, always use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

References:

Over-the-Counter Access to Oral Contraceptives for Adolescents - (https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(17)30023-X/fulltext)
Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill Could Be Available in the US by Year's End - (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2805737)
Potential public sector cost-savings from over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives - (https://www.contraceptionjournal.org/article/S0010-7824(15)00011-6/fulltext)

Source-Medindia