OTC birth control Opill now available at retail pharmacies
Perrrigo’s Opill over-the-counter birth control pill is now available at pharmacies, including CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart.
CVS Health said its drug plans will cover the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the U.S. at no cost for many health plan sponsors, a decision that could open the door for more people to prevent unintended pregnancies without a prescription, per a CNBC report.
The retailer's pharmacy benefit manager, CVS Caremark, said the pill will be added to its preventive services oral contraceptives list and will be covered at zero cost for many sponsors, per a pharmacy update from CVS Caremark dated last week and viewed by CNBC.
Rite Aid also announced that Opill is now available in all of its stores.
"Opill is a progestin-only, daily oral contraceptive (birth control pill) that’s safe and effective when used as directed to help prevent pregnancy," Rite Aid said.
Opill over-the-counter birth control pills are available at Rite Aid for the suggested retail price of $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for a three-month supply. Both options are available for purchase at Rite Aid stores nationwide and online at RiteAid.com.
“Carrying an over-the-counter FDA-approved birth control pill is an important step in increasing access to reproductive health products and services for women,” said Karen Staniforth, senior vice president, chief pharmacy officer at Rite Aid. “Rite Aid remains committed to providing convenient access to customers for all of their health and wellness needs.”
There are no restrictions for purchasing Opill. Rite Aid pharmacists are available to answer any customer questions about Opill.
According to a Walgreens spokesperson, "Walgreens began offering the OTC birth control Opill in late March. Opill is available at Walgreens nationwide in the family planning aisle and behind the pharmacy. Customers also can purchase the product online for 30-minute Pickup, 1-hour Delivery, or ship to home. Walgreens is proud to serve as your local community’s convenient health and wellness destination."
Walgreens is in line with the supplier’s (Perrigo’s) recommended pricing and has set Opill at $19.99 for a 1-month pack, $49.99 for a 3-month pack. The product is available at all Walgreens locations – more than 8,700 stores.
Walmart also is offering Opill. It is available at Walmart.com and Walmart stores nationwide for $18.97 for a 28-day supply, according to a company spokesperson.