A progestin only oral contraceptive containing 75 µg of norgestrel sold as OPILL over-the-counter.
It increases the thickness of cervical mucus, making it less permeable to sperm, and may suppress ovulation in up to 2/3 of cycles.
It is a highly effective contraceptive with 98% efficacy and individuals who report 100% adherence with 2.2 contraceptive failures per 100 person-years of use.
It is the most effective over-the-counter contraceptive method available.
The typical use failure rate of all oral contraceptives, including progestin only pills, is approximately 7%, where the typical use failure rate is 13% for male condoms and 21% for spermicides.
Progestin only pills are taken daily without placebo pills or a pill free interval.
Progestin only pills can be started at any time during the menstrual cycle.
Back up contraception or avoidance of sexual intercourse is recommended for the first 48 hours if progestrin pills are started later than the first five days after the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
The drug should be taking the same time each day as a drug taking more than three hours late is considered missed.
Norgestrel does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, and is not improved for emergency contraception.
Norgestrel is not associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, or hypertension.
Breast cancer is the only medical condition for which norgestrel use is an unacceptable health risk.
For breast cancer, SLE,presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, severe cirrhosis, liver tumors, maleabsorptive bariatric surgery, have relatively increased risks over the advantage of using this method of contraception.
Medications that can reduce its effectiveness, include some anticonvulsants,and rifampin.
The most common symptoms associated with norgestrel are intermenstrual bleeding (49%), vaginal spotting (47%)and amenorrhea (29%).
80% of women report that their menstrual bleeding was acceptable.
Other adverse affects reported by at least 5% of patients include headache, dizziness, nausea, acne, appetite, changes, and breast tenderness.
Weight gain is typically not associated with progesterone only pills.
Ovarian cysts may develop, but are often asymptomatic and resolves spontaneously.
Ectopic pregnancies are more common with progestin only pill use.
There is no known risk to the pregnant person, pregnancy course, or fetus among individuals with an intrauterine pregnancy who inadvertently used the norgestrel.
Progesterone only pills may have non-contraceptive benefits, including: improvements in this menorrhea and menorrhagis, and may be associated with the reduced risk of endometrial cancer