2023-07-25 09:30:42
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The US Food and Drug Administration has authorized the use of “Opill” birth control pills without the need for a prescription for the first time.
But it will take months before the drug is available to the public.
The pill is expected to be available in early 2024. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists called it “a hugely important advance in access to reproductive health care.”
What is the drug “Opil”?
Opill is a “mini-pill” that uses only the hormone progestin.
Opill is 98% effective if taken as directed by the FDA, at the same time each day, and is the only oral contraceptive available without a prescription.
Most progestin-only contraceptives work by creating thick cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Opill can also be seen as a medical tool, not just for contraception, said Dr. Christine Brandi, an ob-gyn in New Jersey, USA, and chair of the Board of Physicians for Reproductive Health.
She explained that many women use birth control for other reasons, such as to treat severe and painful menstrual cramps.
Who can use Opill?
There is no specific age for purchasing the medicine.
Dr. Annemarie Ames-Oelschlager, chair of the ACOG’s Clinical Consensus Committee on Gynecology, said Opill might be a good short-term alternative for a woman who also has limited resources.
“If a woman is waiting to see a health care provider but needs birth control right away, she can use Opill initially, so she can see the provider and discuss all available contraceptive options.”
Brandy believes that the approval of “Opill” may provide relief to marginalized groups.
Opill uses and side effects
Ames Oelschlager said in a statement that oral contraceptives that contain estrogen may cause side effects, such as headache, nausea, and breast tenderness.
The FDA said Opill may cause some similar side effects, including irregular bleeding, headache, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps or bloating.
However, Ames-Oelschlager argued that “a progestin is only considered safer for people with migraine headaches, uncontrolled blood pressure, and those at risk of blood clots.”
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