{"id":11389,"date":"2024-06-11T21:10:35","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T21:10:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=11389"},"modified":"2024-06-11T21:10:35","modified_gmt":"2024-06-11T21:10:35","slug":"what-you-should-know-about-the-over-the-counter-birth-control-pill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/what-you-should-know-about-the-over-the-counter-birth-control-pill\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Should Know About The Over-The-Counter Birth Control Pill"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill.<\/p>\n

The Opill (norgestrel) tablet is a daily, non-prescription, progestin-only, oral contraceptive medication that is used to prevent pregnancy.\u00a0 It can be purchased online, at pharmacies, convenience stores, and grocery stores.<\/p>\n

Opill is a convenient birth control option and according to its manufacturer, pharmaceutical company Perrigo, it is 98% effective in preventing unintended pregnancy when used as directed.\u00a0 To work effectively, the medication must be taken daily, at the same time every day.\u00a0 Perrigo also advises users to avoid taking medications that may cause an interaction with Opill, as this can reduce efficacy, and result in unintended pregnancy.\u00a0 Additionally, Perrigo recommends that Opill should not be taken with other hormonal birth control products such as an intra-uterine device (IUD), contraceptive patches, or injections.<\/p>\n

Although Opill is generally safe, there are a few side effects that may occur. They include:<\/p>\n