First OTC birth control pill in the US now available in some stores

For the first time, women in the US can walk into a store and buy a supply of birth control pills right off the shelf, without the need for a prescription or health insurance.

For the first time, women in the US can walk into a store and buy a supply of birth control pills right off the shelf, without the need for a prescription or health insurance. Opill, the first oral contraceptive approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use, has arrived at most stores in certain retail pharmacy chains such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. The product “is now available at CVS.com and through the CVS Pharmacy app and is arriving at more than 7,500 CVS Pharmacy stores in the coming weeks,” spokesperson Matt Blanchette said in an email. “For added privacy and convenience, customers will be able to choose same-day delivery or buy online and pick-up in store.” Walgreens began offering Opill in late March, spokesperson Samantha Stansberry said. The product “will be available at Walgreens nationwide in the family planning aisle and behind the pharmacy,” Stansberry said in an email. “Customers can also purchase the product online for 30-minute Pickup, 1-hour Delivery, or ship to home.” At Walmart, “it is currently available on walmart.com and will be in stores in early April,” spokesperson Tricia Moriarty said in an email.