Opill was the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States.
Perrigo Co., Ltd
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Perrigo Co., Ltd
Opill was the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States.
Perrigo Co., Ltd
The Food and Drug Administration approved a daily birth control pill for use without a prescription on Thursday, a landmark event that comes as several US states are looking to limit restrictions. access to contraception and abortion.
The move clears the way for Opill (norgestrel), which comes in tablet form, to be sold in a variety of locations, from online marketplaces to drug stores, convenience stores and grocery stores.
“Today’s approval marks the first time that an over-the-counter daily contraceptive pill will be a viable option for consumers,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. million people in the United States. said in a statement.
When used as directed, she adds, daily contraception such as Opill “is safe and is thought to be more effective than existing over-the-counter contraceptives in preventing unintended pregnancy.” want.”
Opill is manufactured by Perrigo, a company with headquarters in Dublin. Opill is considered a “progestin-only” pill, made with “a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone to prevent pregnancy”, as NPR reportedNote that most birth control pills also contain estrogen.
“Today marks a really important day for women’s health across the country,” speak Patrick Lockwood-Taylor, President and CEO of Perrigo, added that his company’s product “has the potential to completely transform women’s access to contraception.”
As for when the pills – sold in boxes containing a 28-day supply – will hit the market, the FDA said the timeline is up to Perrigo. The company says the pills will be available in stores and online early in the first quarter of 2024. Pricing has not been announced.
“Other approved formulations and dosages of other oral contraceptives will be available by prescription only,” the FDA said.
