Combined oral contraceptives

Evidence for bringing combined oral contraceptives (COCs) over the counter

There are two types of daily birth control pills: progestin-only birth control pills (POPs) and combined oral contraceptives (COCs). As the name implies, combined oral contraceptives contain a combination of two hormones: progestin and estrogen.

Both types of daily birth control pills are safe and effective in preventing pregnancy. The body of existing data demonstrates that these medications are suitable for OTC use and access—check out the studies below to learn more!

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Research, Key Evidence
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Pilot label comprehension study for an over-the-counter combined oral contraceptive pill in the United States
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraceptive use, FDA, OTC access, safety and efficacy, United States
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Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraceptive use, FDA, OTC access, safety and efficacy, United States
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, FDA, OTC access, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives for adolescents
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, FDA, OTC access, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
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Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, FDA, OTC access, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
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Contraindications to combined oral contraceptives among over-the-counter compared with prescription users
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combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, global, OTC access, prescription access, safety and efficacy, state, United States
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combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, safety and efficacy, state, United States
Accuracy of self-screening for contraindications to combined oral contraceptive use
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combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, safety and efficacy, state, United States
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combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, safety and efficacy, state, United States