Problems reported with Implanon contraceptive implant

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDJan 6 2011

Quite a few women have reported accidental and unwanted pregnancies while using Implanon, a hormone implant injected into the arm which is designed to last three years. Although the hormonal implant is described to be 99% effective, is thought to be due to problems with the initial implantation, rather than its efficacy once correctly inserted beneath the skin.

Implanon cost £90 per treatment and 1,600 women have lodged a complaint about Implanon, including reporting problems of scarring and difficulty inserting the implant. A total of 584 women who had Implanon inserted into their arms have reported unwanted pregnancies to the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA). NHS Trusts have been forced to offer settlements to seven women totalling nearly £200,000. MSD, which manufactures the implant, said Implanon had now been replaced by a new version entitled Nexplanon which was easier to use and monitor.

According to sexual health charity Family Planning Association (FPA) only a small number of women who had received the implant had conceived unwanted pregnancies. A spokeswoman said, “Naturally, women hearing this will be worried, but it’s important to stress that this is an issue for a small number, and the vast majority of women with an implant shouldn’t have cause for concern… No contraception is 100 per cent effective but implants remain a popular, safe and effective method.” Implanon is correctly placed provides a three year protection.

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive said there had been a sharp increase in the use of long-term contraceptives in recent years. According to a spokesman, “No contraceptive method is 100 per cent effective but with correct insertion the failure rate of implants is less than 1 per cent making it an extremely effective method to prevent pregnancy… It is a much more effective method than taking the contraceptive pill or using condoms.”