"FDA Greenlights Over-the-Counter Daily Birth Control Pill"

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Opill (norgestrel) tablet as the first nonprescription daily oral contraceptive in the United States. This progestin-only contraceptive pill will be available for purchase without a prescription at drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and online. The availability of nonprescription Opill aims to reduce barriers to access and help prevent unintended pregnancies, which account for almost half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the U.S. each year. Opill should be taken at the same time every day and may have side effects such as irregular bleeding and headaches. It should not be used by individuals with breast cancer or in combination with other hormonal birth control products. Opill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.