The First Over-The-Counter Birth Control Pill Hits U.S. Stores This Month
For the first time ever, a daily birth control pill will be available in the U.S. without a prescription. According to CBS News, Opill, the over-the-counter contraceptive pill, will be heading to pharmacy and store shelves across the country later this month.
Here’s what we know about Opill so far:
- According to its manufacturer, Perrigo, the pill is a progestin-only birth control pill, which is sometimes called a “minipill,” and it doesn’t contain estrogen.
- It will sell for $19.99 for a one-month supply, $49.99 for a three-month supply and $89.99 for a six month-supply.
- Opill will be sold at major retailers including Amazon, Walgreens, CVS and Target, as well as online.
- It’s available for pre-order from some online retailers now.
- This birth control pill was approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use in July, making it the first daily birth control cleared for sale without a prescription in the U.S.
- Opill is 98% effective when taken as directed, according to Perrigo.
- The company says it plans to offer a cost-assistance program to help “qualified low-income, uninsured individuals obtain the product at low or no cost.”
“Progestin-only pills have been a trusted contraceptive option for decades, yet obtaining a prescription for birth control pills creates unnecessary barriers for many,” explains OBGYN Dr. Melissa J. Kottke. “Creating additional opportunities for contraceptive access is critical in helping people reach their reproductive goals.”
How to Avoid Getting Norovirus
Wash your hands really well
Di you know that hand sanitizer isn’t effective against norovirus? I learned that the hard way. My mom always tells me to slather my hands in the stuff, but it won’t help for this bug. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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Handle and prepare food the safest way
The CDC says that before preparing and eating your food, you should wash fruits and vegetables well; cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F; and routinely clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, counters, and surfaces. Also, “noroviruses are relatively resistant to heat and can survive temperatures as high as 145°F,” they warn. Also, they say to avoid preparing and handling food or caring for others when you are sick.
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Fully clean and disinfect surfaces
Good ol’ bleach is where it’s at. The CDC says that “after someone vomits or has diarrhea, always clean well and disinfect the entire area immediately.” Bleach kills this stuff. Also, when cleaning, make sure to wear rubber or disposable gloves and wipe the entire area with paper towels and throw them in a plastic trash bag. The CDC also recommends to “leave the bleach disinfectant on the affected area for at least 5 minutes.”
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Wash laundry very well
Any clothing with vomit or poop should be removed and washed right away. The CDC says to “wear rubber or disposable gloves” and “Wash the items with detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dry them at the highest heat setting.” For more tips, go here.
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