FDA finally approved over-the-counter (OTC) sales of the Opill oral contraceptive drug. This means that it is the first birth control pill available without the need for prescriptions in the United States.
FDA Approves Opill Contraceptive's OTC Sales
According to CNN Health's latest report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval on Thursday, July 13.
FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research's Director Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., said that it is the first time that U.S. residents will have a nonprescription daily oral contraceptive. She added that oral contraception is actually safe if consumers use them as directed.
The FDA official further stated that the daily oral birth control pill is believed to be more effective than other nonprescription contraceptive methods available in the market.
In its official press release, FDA explained that the approval provides an option for Americans to buy oral contraceptive medicine without getting a prescription from convenience stores, drug stores, grocery stores, as well as via the Internet.
"Nonprescription availability of Opill may reduce barriers to access by allowing individuals to obtain an oral contraceptive without the need to first see a health care provider," said FDA.
Read Also: Australia Makes Major Rule Change, Expanding Access to Medical Abortion Pill
FDA's Opill Approval Called a Monumental Decision
Unwanted/unintended pregnancies are among the major problems faced by Americans even today.
The Food and Drug Administration said that around 50% of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the United States were unexpected.
"Availability of nonprescription Opill may help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and their potential negative impacts," said FDA.
This is why the approval of Opill's OTC sales is a big deal for many women and individuals fighting for ladies' reproductive rights.
Dr. Melissa Simon, a clinical gynecology professor at Northwestern University, even called FDA's approval as a "monumental decision," via NBC News. She added that OTC birth control pills are already available in more than 100 countries.
Dr. Simon further stated that the U.S. is getting left behind when it comes to availing of safe and effective contraceptive methods, such as oral birth control pills.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Opill medicine, it is a mini-pill that contains one hormone, as well as progestin.
This contraceptive tablet is consumed on a daily basis. Numerous studies found that the Opill oral birth control pill has around 93% efficiency in preventing pregnancies.
If you want to learn more about this OTC birth control medicine, you can click here.
Related Article: Japan Approves Trial of Emergency Contraceptives for Over-the-Counter Sales
