5 things to know about generic OTC birth control pills

Brand-name Opill on a retail store shelf next to generic OTC daily birth control pills containing norgestrel 0.075mg

In July 2023, the first-ever over-the-counter (OTC) daily birth control pill, Opill, a progestin-only pill, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Three years later, generic versions are becoming available and showing up on retail shelves. Generics will help expand equitable access to OTC birth control pills across the United States. At the same time, people may have questions about generics—what they are, how they compare to Opill, their safety and effectiveness, and more. This fact sheet outlines five things to know about generic OTC birth control pills.