Opill isnt a new drug.
Progestin-only tablets, like Opill, are sometimes called the minipill.
Most combination pills have 21 or 24 days of active hormone pill and then some placebo pills.
Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images.
The progestin-only pills typically have the active hormone pill every day, and each day contains the same dosage.
People switching from another brand of progestin-only birth control can start at any time, according to theFDA label.
When changing from one method to another method, we do recommend a second method to prevent pregnancy.
The downside, she said, is that its more time-sensitive than the combination pill.
I would still recommend using barrier methods and getting tested for sexually transmitted infections.
When switching between birth control methods or types, a person may experience some irregular bleeding.
Its normal to experience breakthrough bleeding for a few days, Ahmadieh said.
If theres enough blood to soak through a tampon every hour, she recommends seeking medical attention.
A person might experience side effects like breast tenderness, moodiness, and headache.
Those usually resolve within a few days to a few weeks.
Perrigo has yet to share how expensive the Opill will be and if it will be covered by insurance.
Over-the-counter medications are not typically covered by insurance.
They may have to take time off work to visit their provider to have a prescription written or renewed.
I trust all of my patients based on the decisions they make about their health.
People who have or had progestin-sensitive cancer should speak with a health provider about whether Opill is safe.
2017;60(6):634-640. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.12.024
