Hormonal Contraceptives

Take Control of Your Birth Control:
Consultations on Hormonal Contraceptives Available

Are you looking for a change in your contraceptive method or starting birth control for the first time? Let a contraceptive-trained Realo Drugs pharmacist help you find the right option! Schedule your 30-minute online appointment to review your medical history and personal preferences in order to determine which birth control pill or patch fits your needs.

What happens during a birth control consultation?


Here's a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:
  • Use this link to schedule your telehealth appointment*.
  • Complete the patient questionnaire that you'll receive via email before your consultation.
  • A member of our team will contact you within 48 hours to confirm your appointment, answer any pre-consultation questions, and process the $40 consultation fee payment** to secure your appointment time.
  • During the telehealth consult, we will review your questionnaire and work with you to determine the most suitable birth control option. The prescription will then be sent to your nearest Realo Drugs location.
  • Visit your local Realo Drugs to have your blood pressure checked and to collect your prescribed birth control.
  • *If you are under 18 years old, parental consent and presence are required for the appointment.

  • **There is a non-refundable consultation fee of $40. The consultation fee does not cover the cost of your birth control medication. Most insurance providers cover the cost of birth control.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hormonal Contraceptives and Birth Control

A birth control consultation is a service provided by Realo Drugs for individuals who are capable of conceiving and are interested in initiating or changing their hormonal contraceptive birth control. During this consultation, our team will assist you in determining the birth control options that best suit your specific physical needs and lifestyle.

Birth control refers to a range of methods used to prevent pregnancy. Common options include pills, condoms and patches. If you prefer one of these contraceptive methods, our licensed pharmacists can guide you through the process and initiate the method during your birth control care visit, which includes a 30-minute online consultation.

For options such as injections, vaginal rings, implants, IUDs, or tubal ligation, it is recommended to consult with your primary care provider or OB/GYN. If you don't have a primary care provider, Realo Drugs can provide you with a list of doctors in your area.

The cost of birth control pills varies widely depending on the brand, the dosage, and the location. In general, the average cost of a one-month supply of birth control pills is around $20-$50. Some brands can cost up to $100 or more per month. However, most insurance plans will cover the cost of hormonal contraceptives.

No, you do not have to have insurance to get birth control pills. While insurance coverage can help reduce the cost, there are several affordable options available for obtaining hormonal contraceptives or birth control pills without insurance coverage.

Regular cervical screenings are crucial for maintaining women's reproductive health. While a pap smear is not a requirement to start on birth control, it is essential to have a cervical health screening per the recommended schedule. We also recommend regular checkups with a primary care provider or OB/GYN.

Many birth control methods such as pills, injections, rings, IUDs, or tubal ligation do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To prevent STIs, it is advisable to use a barrier method, such as condoms, in addition to your chosen birth control method.

The choice of a hormonal contraceptive method should be tailored to an individual's specific medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. At Realo Drugs, our licensed pharmacists can provide a quick online consultation to discuss your medical history and explain the various birth control options available. They will work with you to create a personalized birth control plan that best suits your needs.

Common side effects of hormonal contraceptives include headaches, nausea, weight gain, mood changes, and breast tenderness. Less common side effects include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

No, hormonal contraceptives typically do not cause infertility. After discontinuing use of hormonal contraceptives, a woman can expect to return to her pre-contraceptive fertility level within a few months.

Hormonal contraceptives are up to 99% effective if taken correctly and consistently. However, their effectiveness can be reduced if they are not used as directed.

Certain medications, such as some antibiotics, antifungal agents, and herbal preparations, can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you are taking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Over-The-Counter Opill Birth Control Pill

Opill is a progestin-only birth control pill, often referred to as the "mini-pill." It contains only one hormone, progestin, unlike combination pills that contain both estrogen and progestin.

When taken correctly, Opill is over 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, with typical use, which includes the occasional missed pill, its effectiveness is around 91%.

Opill should be taken at the same time every day. There are no placebo pills in a pack of Opill, so it is important to take one pill daily without any breaks between packs.

If you miss a pill by more than three hours, take it as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at your usual time, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next 48 hours.

Some common side effects include irregular menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, breast tenderness, nausea, and headaches. These side effects often decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Opill is suitable for many people, including those who cannot take estrogen. However, it may not be appropriate for individuals with certain health conditions, such as a history of breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or severe liver disease. Consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider to determine if Opill is right for you.