New over-the-counter birth control pills shipped to US stores. What about Tri-Cities, WA?

Karlee Van De Venter, Daniel Schrager

In July, the FDA made headlines by approving a birth control pill for use without a prescription. Opill, which is produced by drug manufacturer Perrigo, was 98% effective in trials and will be on shelves in the coming weeks.

The manufacturer announced shipments began on March 4. Perrigo couldn’t give an exact date when the medication will be available in stores but expects it to be “on shelves everywhere” by the end of March.

So, where will it be available in Tri-Cities?

Opill availability in Tri-Cities, WA

Perrigo’s Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Sara Young stated the pills will be available at CVS and Walgreens locations nationwide, although details will vary for each location.

Additionally, Opill will be available online for shipping across the country. Select other retailers have been approved as well, but Perrigo wouldn’t disclose the full list of stores. Young did disclose through a spokesperson in an email to the Herald that the company “has been pleased with retailers’ response to the product and expect that people who want it will have no trouble finding Opill.”

Despite these statements, nowhere in Tri-Cities was able to confirm Opill availability for March 2024. However, Rite Aid has confirmed all of its locations will carry Opill, starting in April, not March.

Rite Aid locations in Tri-Cities include:

  • 1901 N. Steptoe Street, Kennewick

  • 1329 Lee Boulevard, Richland

  • 1549 George Washington Way, Richland

  • 101 N. Ely Street, Kennewick

  • 1308 N. 20th Ave., Pasco

Walgreens representatives have yet to confirm with the Herald if or when Tri-Cities locations will carry the contraceptive. Local CVS locations are limited to Tri-Cities Targets, and neither has received information regarding upcoming shipments.

Other retail pharmacies in the area include Fred Meyer, Safeway, Costco, Yoke’s and Walmart. The latter two retailers did not immediately respond to information requests, while the others have received no information regarding Opill stock.

The representative for Perrigo confirmed that Opill shipments were sent to major retailers in Tri-Cities, and said that individual retailers determine when it’ll hit the shelves. They recommended ordering Opill online if Tri-Citians can’t find supplies starting March 18.

Need-to-know Opill information

What is Opill?

Opill is an estrogen-free birth control pill, containing only progestin. Like most birth control pills, it is most effective when taken at the same time each day, boasting a 98% effectiveness rate.

It is not an emergency contraceptive, like the morning after pill, and should not be used as one.

How much does Opill cost?

While costs may vary from store to store, Perrigo’s suggested price for Opill is $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for a three-month supply, according to the company’s press release.

$89.99 six-month supplies will also be available, but only at Opill.com.

Who can take Opill?

The contraceptive is suitable for most people who can become pregnant, according to the Opill website. Because Opill does not contain estrogen, it is still safe for people with medical conditions or life circumstances that prevent them from taking other contraceptives.

Opill is suitable for all ages once menstruation begins.

People who have breast cancer, or have had breast cancer, should not take Opill.

Additionally, if you are already using another form of birth control, like a patch, implant, injection, IUD or other daily pill, you should stop using it entirely before switching to the Opill.

Do not take the Opill if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

What are the potential side effects?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the most common side effects observed with Opill use include headaches, irregular bleeding, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain and cramps, bloating and an increased appetite.

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