Key takeaways:
The recommended Opill (norgestrel) dosage is 1 tablet taken by mouth every day at the same time. For the first 2 days (48 hours) that you’re taking Opill, use a condom or other barrier method of birth control when having sex.
Take Opill every day without breaks, even if you get your period. There are no placebo pills (pills without medication) in the pack. Taking breaks from Opill raises your risk of an unplanned pregnancy.
If you forget a dose or you’re late taking Opill by 3 hours or more, take the missed pill as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose at its usual time. Use a condom or other barrier method when having sex for 2 days after.
There are ways to save on Opill. GoodRx can help you find ways to make your medication more affordable.
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Opill (norgestrel) made headlines when the FDA approved it. That’s because it was the first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill. Opill is the most effective form of OTC birth control.
Opill works best when you take it as recommended. This includes taking it at the same time every day. But what happens if you miss a pill? And how do you get back on track?
Good to know: Opill doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Be sure to use a condom to help protect against STIs.
What’s the typical Opill dosage?
The recommended Opill dosage is 1 tablet taken by mouth once a day at the same time each day. If you’re late taking your dose by 3 hours or more, this counts as missing a pill. And you’ll need to follow certain instructions to correct the missed dose.
Take 1 tablet every day without breaks, even if you get your period while taking it. Unlike many prescription birth control pills, Opill doesn’t contain placebo pills (pills with no medication in them) at the end of the pack. Every tablet in the box contains medication. Taking a break from Opill raises your risk of an unplanned pregnancy.
If you’re taking Opill for the first time, you can start it any day of the month. You don’t need to wait for your next period. Just make sure you use a condom (or another barrier method) every time you have sex for the first 2 days (48 hours) that you’re taking Opill. This is how long it takes Opill to start working.
Can teens take Opill?
Yes, teens can take Opill. It’s safe for teens to use birth control once they begin getting their period. And Opill is available OTC without age restrictions.
It’s a good idea to discuss birth control with a healthcare professional if you’ve never taken it before. They can discuss whether Opill is safe for you. They can also identify if other medications or supplements you take could make the pill less effective.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Opill?
Correcting a missed dose of Opill depends on how long it’s been since you missed your dose:
If it’s been less than 3 hours: Take your dose as soon as you remember. Then return to your usual schedule the next day. You don’t need to use a condom or barrier method.
If it’s been 3 hours or more: Take your dose as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at its usual time. This means you might take 2 pills in 1 day. Use a condom or barrier method every time you have sex for the next 2 days.
Opill is a “mini-pill” (a pill that only contains the hormone progestin). Because of this, you need to take a dose at the same time every day. Being late by even a few hours can raise your risk of an unplanned pregnancy.
What should you do if you throw up after taking Opill?
If you vomit or have severe diarrhea within 4 hours of taking Opill, don’t take a second pill. Just wait until it’s time for your next dose and resume taking it as usual. Make sure to use a condom or other barrier method every time you have sex for the next 2 days.
What should you do if you take too much Opill?
Taking an extra Opill tablet by accident is unlikely to cause serious harm. (Remember, you might need to take 2 pills in 1 day to correct a missed dose.) But you may be more likely to experience side effects.
Wrangle up savings: Find out how much Opill (norgestrel) costs and how you can save money on it.
All about Opill: Pharmacists detail the top things to know about the first over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill.
Other options: Find out which other OTC birth control methods are available.
Common Opill side effects include:
Nausea
Headaches
Tender breasts
Breakthrough bleeding
These side effects should be mild and resolve on their own. But if any symptoms seem excessive or persistent, contact a healthcare professional. This isn’t typical with Opill, and you should be evaluated.
How to save on Opill
There are ways to save on Opill, which is available as a brand-name medication.
Even though Opill is available OTC, you may be able to save money by using your insurance plan (if applicable to you). Birth control pills are often fully covered under the Affordable Care Act. But to do this, you need to have a healthcare professional write you a prescription for Opill. And keep in mind that because Opill is an OTC medication, not all insurance plans cover it.
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Opill’s donation program. Through this program, Perrigo (Opill’s manufacturer) donates packs to health clinics. By visiting a participating clinic, you may be able to obtain Opill for a reduced cost. Eligibility requirements vary by location.
The average cost of Opill in retail stores is about $20 for a 28-day pack. GoodRx can help you access Opill and have it shipped directly to you. A 3-month supply (84 pills) costs $49.99 (less than $17 per pack). And a 6-month supply (168 pills) costs $89.99 (about $15 per pack). You can also sign up to have Opill automatically shipped when it’s due and save 5%.
The bottom line
The recommended Opill (norgestrel) dosage is 1 tablet taken by mouth every day at the same time. When you start Opill, use a condom or other barrier method of birth control every time you have sex for the first 2 days (48 hours).
Take Opill every day without breaks, even if you have your period. There are no placebo pills (pills without medication) in the package. Taking Opill on time every day helps the medication to work as well as possible to prevent pregnancy.
Missing doses of Opill raises your risk of an unintended pregnancy. If you miss a dose or you’re late taking your dose by 3 hours or more, take 1 tablet as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose at its usual time. And be sure to use a condom or another barrier method every time you have sex for the next 2 days.
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References
Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Health benefits & coverage: Birth control benefits. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
L. Perrigo. (2025). Opill- norgestrel tablet. DailyMed.
Opill. (n.d.). Find Opill donations near you. Perrigo.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Opill (0.075mg oral norgestrel tablet) information.
