What is Opill (Norgestrel Tablet)?

Each Opill tablet contains 0.075 mg of Norgestrel. This is a synthetic form of progesterone, a hormone that can prevent pregnancy in two ways. First, it makes it difficult for an egg to meet sperm. Second, it prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the womb. However, it is only effective in preventing fertilization about 50% of the time but prevents pregnancy about 98% of the time when used properly. Opill is actually an abortifacient. Research clearly shows that life begins at fertilization, which is the moment when a sperm meets a fertilized egg, which means that Opill is not only preventing the formation of life but, in many instances, ending a life that's already begun.

Over-the-counter medications aren't a substitute for regular medical care. An annual check-up that includes a pap smear and STI testing will enable you to catch potentially serious health problems while they're still small. It's also a good idea to talk to your doctor about using Opill, as he or she will be able to offer personalized medical advice that could affect your decisions. At the same time, don't rely only on your doctor to tell you how to care for your body. All medications, including over-the-counter medications, can have negative side effects, and Opill is no exception. Ryalynn Morgan Carter, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist and assistant professor of OB/GYN at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, recently explained this in an article written for Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She notes, "Common side effects [of Opill] are headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating and abnormal breakthrough bleeding."

There is also a long list of uncommon side effects, some of which could put your health in serious jeopardy. Norgestrel, the main ingredient in Opill, can affect your mental health by causing or exacerbating depression. Norgestrel can also cause unwanted facial and/or body hair growth, swelling in the ankles, pelvic pain, lumps in one or both breasts, dark urine, yellowing skin and/or eyes, fatigue, rashes, itching and/or swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing and blood clots. What's more, medical professionals warn that these aren't the only potential side effects. If you take a Norgestrel tablet and feel something isn't right, call your doctor or seek immediate medical help.

It should also be noted that Opill isn't as effective in preventing pregnancy as other birth control pills. Because it lacks estrogen, it is not as effective in preventing sperm from meeting a fertilized egg as birth control tablets that use estrogen. Birth Control Pills that include estrogen have other serious side effects like high blood pressure, and clotting that can lead to a stroke. You should seek care from your ObGyn before taking a new birth control pill. Norgestrel must be taken at the same time each day because taking a tablet even three hours late can increase your odds of an unplanned pregnancy if you're sexually active.