Retail availability of over-the-counter birth control pills at Texas pharmacies: Results from a mystery caller study

Objectives

To estimate the availability of the recently released over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill (Opill) in retail pharmacies and compare availability across pharmacies based on their chain status and setting.

Study design

In April and May 2024, we conducted a mystery caller study of a sample of 500 Texas retail pharmacies. Sampled pharmacies were contacted by female project staff posing as potential customers and asked whether they had OTC birth control pills in stock and, if not, whether they could be ordered. We characterized pharmacies by chain status (independent pharmacy, chain pharmacy inside retail outlet, chain pharmacy with standalone location) and, using geolocation, as located in either rural or urban areas.

Results

Overall, 62% of pharmacies (N = 477) reported having Opill available for sale. This stock varied by pharmacy type, with independent pharmacies the least likely to stock it (25%) and standalone chain pharmacies the most likely (82%). Similar patterns were found in terms of pharmacies that had Opill in stock or were willing to order it. We found no significant differences between urban and rural pharmacies.

Conclusions

Despite its recent (March 2024) launch, Opill was widely available in retail pharmacies in Texas, though independent pharmacies were less likely to stock it. While removing the need for prescriptions may make birth control pills more accessible, this access may vary by pharmacy type.

Implications

Following its retail launch, the first OTC birth control pill in the United States is already widely available in pharmacies in Texas. As they are highly likely to stock these OTC pills, chain pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid) may be well positioned to address existing barriers to accessing birth control pills.