Pharmacy vs OTC access

May 2021

Pharmacy vs OTC access

Ibis Reproductive Health. Over the counter or available from a pharmacy? May 2021. 

So you heard the pill is "over the counter" (OTC) in California, Oregon, and Washington and may be coming to other states soon! While that would be very exciting, it is not exactly right. The pill is not yet available OTC . In these states, pharmacists are now allowed to prescribe the pill and other hormonal methods, including the birth control patch, the vaginal ring, and/or the shot. So you no longer have to see a doctor for that Rx. While this is a BIG step forward in expanding access for millions of people, it is not the same as being truly over the counter.