First Over-the-Counter Contraceptive Pill Gets FDA Approval
The pill will be available over-the-counter — the first nonprescription birth control pill in the United States.
- By BSTQ Staff
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the birth control pill Opill (norgestrel), manufactured by Perrigo, to be available over-the-counter — the first nonprescription birth control pill in the United States. The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day for it to be effective. Opill is expected to be available over-the-counter in stores by the end of March 2024.
“Today’s approval is a groundbreaking expansion for women’s health in the U.S., and a significant milestone toward addressing a key unmet need for contraceptive access,” said Frederique Welgryn, Perrigo global vice president for women’s health.
References
Hassan, C. FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill. CNN Health, July 13, 2023. Accessed at www.cnn.com/2023/07/13/health/fda-otc-birth-control-opill.
