Opill (norgestrel) is a brand-name over-the-counter (OTC) drug that’s used to prevent pregnancy. Opill comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once per day.

Opill is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent pregnancy. It’s a brand-name medication that belongs to a drug class called hormonal contraceptives. Opill is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Opill, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Opill, see this article.

This article describes typical dosages for Opill provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Opill, always follow the dosage in the package information.

Note: Opill is FDA-approved but is not yet available for purchase. The drug’s manufacturer expects Opill to be available OTC by early 2024. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Below is information about Opill’s recommended dosage.

Opill form

Opill comes as an oral tablet.

Opill strength

Opill comes in one strength of 0.075 milligrams (mg).

Typical dosages

Opill is taken once per day. You should take it around the same time every day.

Dosage to prevent pregnancy

You should take Opill once per day, around the same time each day (within 3 hours of the same time each day). This helps keep a steady level in your body so that Opill can work effectively.

For more information about how to take Opill, talk with a doctor or pharmacist.

Children’s dosage

Opill is approved to prevent pregnancy in adolescents who can become pregnant. Typically, female* adolescents are able to become pregnant after their first menstrual cycle, which often happens around 12 years of age.

Opill’s dosage for adolescents who have periods is the same as the dosage for adults, one pill per day.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Long-term treatment

Opill is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment for as long as you want to prevent pregnancy.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Opill.

Opill comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. You may take your dose with or without food. However, it’s important that you do not split, crush, chew, or place the tablet in water.

It’s important to take Opill around the same time of day, or within 3 hours of the time you take it each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Opill can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have questions about how to take Opill, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There’s also more information on the manufacturer’s website.

If you miss a dose of Opill, take it as soon as you remember.

A “missed dose” of Opill may include several situations, such as:

  • forgetting a daily dose
  • taking a daily dose 3 hours or more from your scheduled time
  • having certain illnesses, such as severe diarrhea or vomiting, within 4 hours after taking your dose

If you miss a dose of Opill, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose at the scheduled time. This could mean taking two doses in a day. For example, if you miss your evening dose and remember the following morning, go ahead and take your missed dose that morning and your scheduled dose in the evening.

However, it’s important to use a barrier method of birth control during sexual activity for 48 hours after any missed doses. (Condoms are an example of a barrier method.)

It’s important to use a barrier method because it takes about 48 hours for Opill to start working again after a missed dose. Using a barrier method will reduce your chances of becoming pregnant during this timeframe.

If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you do not take more Opill than recommended. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. If you’re unsure how much Opill you should take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Opill can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Opill

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Opill. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Opill.

How long does it take for Opill to start working?

When you start taking Opill, it takes at least 7 days for the drug to be effective at preventing pregnancy. If you’re sexually active within 7 days of starting Opill, it’s important to use a barrier method of contraception.

For more details about how long it takes for Opill to start working, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is there a typical dosage range for Opill?

No, there’s no typical dosage range for this drug. Opill comes in one form and strength. You’ll take Opill once per day, around the same time each day.

For more information about Opill dosages, see the “Opill dosage” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. Always follow the dosage that the package instructions or manufacturer’s website recommends, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Opill. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Opill. For information about other aspects of Opill, refer to this article.
  • Details about birth control. For details about birth control, see our sexual health hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.