What's happening? During the summer of 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opill, the first daily oral contraceptive approved for use in the United States without a prescription.
Opill is already available at some pharmacies in Puerto Rico, on Amazon, or on the Opill website.
Packages come in three formats: 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Prices range from $19.99 to $89.99.
How does it work? Opill works by thickening cervical mucus, which helps prevent sperm from reaching the egg. It also prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs during some cycles.
It must be taken every day at the same time, can be started at any point in the menstrual cycle, and takes 48 hours to begin working.
When you finish one pack, you should start the next one without a break.
The contraceptive has no age limit and does not require a prescription, but it should not be used by people who have or have had breast cancer.
Why does it matter?: The availability of this contraceptive without a prescription could represent an advance for access to sexual health in Puerto Rico. People in vulnerable situations or without health insurance can obtain this pill without a medical consultation, a prescription, or a significant financial outlay.
Nearly half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the United States each year are unintended. The availability of Opill without a prescription may help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and their potential negative impacts.
Important: Opill also has side effects. Consult the label to learn about them and watch for any unusual symptoms.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
