Nation's college campuses see rising birth control prices
Aundrea Eichman
Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: News
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"I don't think the price increase will affect people using it," said Anne Lukowiak, a sophomore ballet and art history major. "I think it will affect people who are deciding to start birth control."
At other pharmacies, brand-name birth control pills cost $50 to $55 and generics cost $35 to $40, Calhoon said.
He said the Health Center prices will stay under the prices of CVS and Walgreens. Ortho Tric-yclen Lo costs $54.99 at Walgreens.
Calhoon said the morning-after pill will probably go up in price soon, too. He said he has not heard what the final pricing will be, but it will be significantly more because it requires more packaging.
"It is not surprising since it is basically the same substance." said Dr. Mary Rae, of the Health Center.
Another contraceptive option for students is the NuvaRing, which is a cheaper form of birth control that does not have many side effects, said Johnnie Ireland, a nurse practitioner at the Health Center.
"It seems to be working well and is well-accepted. We've done some informal questioning, and most students have said 'absolutely.'" Rae said.
Calhoon said there are more than 35 different kinds of birth control.
Some students don't think the higher prices are too detrimental.
"As long as there are low-priced options for students, I think it will be all right," said Alicia Graber, a senior English major. "Brand loyalty will just be shot."
Ireland said students will likely stay with the method that works for them regardless of the price.
Students are accepting of price increases and do not want the generic brands, Ireland said.
Calhoon said most students want the brand name.
He also said the prices could be a shock to transfers from state schools who get better pricing since state institutions have state pricing available to them. Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo costs $10 at The University of Texas at Arlington.
At other pharmacies, brand-name birth control pills cost $50 to $55 and generics cost $35 to $40, Calhoon said.
He said the Health Center prices will stay under the prices of CVS and Walgreens. Ortho Tric-yclen Lo costs $54.99 at Walgreens.
Calhoon said the morning-after pill will probably go up in price soon, too. He said he has not heard what the final pricing will be, but it will be significantly more because it requires more packaging.
"It is not surprising since it is basically the same substance." said Dr. Mary Rae, of the Health Center.
Another contraceptive option for students is the NuvaRing, which is a cheaper form of birth control that does not have many side effects, said Johnnie Ireland, a nurse practitioner at the Health Center.
"It seems to be working well and is well-accepted. We've done some informal questioning, and most students have said 'absolutely.'" Rae said.
Calhoon said there are more than 35 different kinds of birth control.
Some students don't think the higher prices are too detrimental.
"As long as there are low-priced options for students, I think it will be all right," said Alicia Graber, a senior English major. "Brand loyalty will just be shot."
Ireland said students will likely stay with the method that works for them regardless of the price.
Students are accepting of price increases and do not want the generic brands, Ireland said.
Calhoon said most students want the brand name.
He also said the prices could be a shock to transfers from state schools who get better pricing since state institutions have state pricing available to them. Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo costs $10 at The University of Texas at Arlington.
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