It was reported today (July 14) that the Food and Drug Administration of the United States has authorized the Opill (norgestrel) tablet for use to prevent pregnancy without the need for a prescription. This makes it one of the first daily oral contraceptives to get FDA approval for use in the United States without a prescription. With the regulatory approval of this progestin-only oral contraceptive pill, people now have the option of purchasing oral contraceptive medication over the counter at pharmacies, grocery stores, online, and convenience shops.
Find out more about Opill down below.
The FDA Has Given its Approval to Opill; What Should You Know About It?
Today’s approval marks the first time a nonprescription daily oral contraceptive will be an available option for millions of people in the United States; when used as directed, daily oral contraception is safe and is expected to be more effective than currently available nonprescription contraceptive methods in preventing unintended pregnancy, explained Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Back in 1973, when Opill was first given clearance for use only with a prescription, the efficacy of norgestrel as a contraceptive was validated. HRA Pharma submitted a request to get norgestrel reclassified as an over-the-counter medication rather than a prescription drug.
It is possible that making Opill available over-the-counter without the requirement for a prescription may help eliminate access barriers by enabling individuals to get an oral contraceptive minus the need to first consult a medical professional. Unwanted pregnancies account for about half of the 6.1 million births that occur annually in the United States.
Keep in mind that it is still very important to discuss any concerns that you may have regarding your health with a trained medical practitioner, in addition to getting the necessary checkups.
Opill Dosage
It is vital to adhere to regular administration at the exact same time of day when taking Opill; doing so will help maximize the effectiveness of the medication. The use of drugs that interact with Opill can reduce the effectiveness of either Opill or the additional medication, or both, increasing the risk of an unwanted pregnancy.
Taking Opill: Side Effects
Opill users frequently experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, irregular bleeding, increased hunger, cramps, stomach discomfort, or bloating as potential adverse reactions to the medication. Opill is not intended for use as an emergency method of contraception and fails to safeguard against pregnancy during sexual activity that is not protected. Stay safe!
