(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) President and CEO Scott Melville today released the below statement following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving Opill®, a once-daily oral contraceptive, as the first nationwide prescription-strength oral contraceptive for use over-the-counter (OTC):
“Today’s historic action by the FDA is a major step forward in helping American women meet their reproductive health needs. More than 40 million U.S. women are at risk of experiencing an unexpected pregnancy each year, and this landmark approval removes barriers and increases access to a safe and effective contraceptive option. This Rx-OTC switch, and other first-in-class switches, provide groundbreaking public health benefits by empowering consumers to take greater control over their own health.”
