A laboratory offers the first over-the-counter contraceptive pill in the United States
Contraceptive pills are already available over the counter in many countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Portugal or Turkey.
The Perrigo laboratory announced on Monday that it had asked the American authorities for the green light to market what would be the first contraceptive pill available over the counter in the United States.
The French subsidiary of the pharmaceutical group, HRA Pharma, has filed with the US Drug Administration (FDA) for Opill, a synthetic progestogen-based, estrogen-free daily pill available by prescription since 1973, details a press release.
This request comes a few weeks after the Supreme Court's decision to revoke the right to abortion in the country on June 24. But the company clarifies that this is just a coincidence, pointing out that it has been working on the file for seven years.
“Historic procedure marks a turning point in access to contraceptives and for reproductive equity in the United States”
— Frédérique Welgryn, Director of Strategic Operations and Innovation at HRA Pharma
If the green light is granted by the authorities, it will help even more women and people to access contraception without facing unnecessary obstacles, commented Frédérique Welgryn, director of strategic operations and innovation at HRA Pharma, can we read in a press release.
Contraceptive pills are already on sale in many countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Portugal or Turkey. Other countries prefer to require a visit to a health professional, in particular to avoid possible contraindications and to discuss the risks for blood pressure.
Several major American medical organizations, including the Council of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have previously expressed support for over-the-counter pills.
Data confirms that progestogen-only hormonal methods are generally safe and pose no or minimal risk of venous thromboembolism, also known as blood clots, ACOG states in a post on its site.
Several studies have shown that women are able to use self-screening tools to determine their eligibility to use hormonal contraceptives, the organization adds.
De The FDA declined to comment.
