Opill Daily Oral Contraceptive, Birth Control Pill, 28 CT

What to expect from Opill®

Opill® is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as directed at the same time every day. It starts to work 48 hours after you take your first pill, so keep using a barrier method (like condoms) for the first two days to help prevent pregnancy. If you miss one or more days or if you are three or more hours late taking a pill, also use a barrier method for 48 hours.

How to use Opill®

Just swallow one pill at the same time every day. Setting reminders is a good way to make sure you don’t miss a pill. Opill® comes in one-month supply and three-month supply packages. You can start your first pack on any day of your cycle. If you’re switching from another oral contraceptive, vaginal ring or patch, start taking Opill® the day after you stop the other method. And just a reminder: Like other birth control pills, Opill® doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You should use a condom or other barrier method during intercourse for the next two days after Opill® initiation, as it takes two days for Opill® to start working.

Who is Opill® for?

Opill® is suitable for most people who can become pregnant.* Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill® label for list of warnings.

Opill® is an oral contraceptive that contains only one hormone: norgestrel. This makes Opill® suitable for most individuals who can become pregnant, including people who have high blood pressure; who are breastfeeding, perimenopausal or smokers; or who experience migraines.

Unlike many other birth control pills, Opill® does not contain estrogen. This is beneficial for people with medical conditions or life circumstances that prevent them from taking estrogen-based contraceptives.

What is Opill®?

Opill® is a progestin-only, daily oral contraceptive (birth control pill) that’s safe and effective when used as directed to help prevent pregnancy. It’s the only over-the-counter birth control pill available in the United States.

Opill® helps prevent pregnancy in women and people who can become pregnant. It’s not an emergency contraceptive (morning-after pill) and won’t prevent pregnancy when started after unprotected sex. It also doesn’t protect against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or other STDs.

Why should I use an over-the-counter birth control pill like Opill®?

Opill® is a full prescription-strength birth control pill and, when used as directed, is more effective at preventing pregnancy than any other over-the-counter birth control method available. You can find it in the family-planning section of pharmacies, popular retail stores and online. According to a recent study, almost one third of adult women who have tried to get a prescription or refill for a birth control pill, patch or ring have problems obtaining a prescription or refills.** Opill® provides a hassle-free and convenient way to prevent unintended pregnancies.

Do I need a prescription for Opill®?

No, you don’t need a prescription from the doctor or pharmacist for Opill®. Opill® can be purchased over the counter. This means it can be found in the aisles of most major pharmacies nationwide and is available for purchase online.

How does Opill® work?

Opill® works by thickening your cervical mucus, which helps to block sperm from getting to an egg. In addition, Opill may prevent ovulation in some cycles. You must take it at the same time every day to help prevent pregnancy. Opill® is effective 48 hours after you begin taking it, so keep using a barrier method (like condoms) for the first two days to help prevent pregnancy. If you miss one or more days or if you are three or more hours late taking a pill, also use a barrier method for 48 hours.

Is Opill® the same as other birth control pills?

Opill® is a progestin-only birth control pill (sometimes referred to as a POP or mini pill). Many birth control pills on the market contain a combination of estrogen and progestin. Opill® only contains progestin, which means it’s estrogen-free. Like all daily oral contraceptives, Opill® should be taken once a day at the same time.

How is Opill® different than Plan B?

Opill® is a birth control pill that is taken every day to help prevent pregnancy. Plan B is an over-the-counter morning-after pill and NOT a regular form of birth control. Plan B is meant to be used within three days of unprotected sex or when other methods of birth control fail.

Will Opill® protect me against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STDs)?

Opill® does not protect against HIV, AIDS or other STDs. Only condoms can protect against STDs.

What if I still have questions about my contraception options?

CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic providers are here to help answer any question you may have about contraception. Visit a pharmacist or schedule a MinuteClinic appointment today.

*OPILL® IS SUITABLE FOR MOST PEOPLE WHO CAN BECOME PREGNANT: Do not use Opill® if you have or ever had breast cancer. See Opill® label for list of warnings.

**Grindlay, 2016 (JWH)