First over-the-counter birth control pill coming to U.S. stores
The first over-the-counter birth control pill will be available on pharmacy and store shelves nationwide and online later this month, and will cost about $20 for a 30-day supply, Perrigo, its manufacturer announced on Monday.
Now available for pre-order from some online retailers, the product, Opill, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for OTC use for all ages in July, making it the first daily birth control cleared for sale without a prescription in the U.S.
The product will come in a variety of sizes, including one-month three-month and six-month packs, with suggested retail prices of $19.99, $49.99 and $89.99, respectively, according to Perrigo.
Opill will be first over-the-counter birth control pill sold in stores
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“Creating additional opportunities for contraceptive access is critical in helping people reach their reproductive goals, added the Atlanta-based obstetrician-gynecologist, who served as a paid consultant to Perrigo during the FDA approval process.
The product is 98% effective when taken as directed, according to the consumer products company, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Almost half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the U.S. each year are unintended, according to the FDA.
Kate Gibson
Source: cbsnews.com