Media release from PHARMAC

Women wanting longer-term contraception will have a new funded option from 1 August, following a decision by Government medicine funder PHARMAC.

The long-acting contraceptive implants are removable and can provide contraception for up to five years.

The Jadelle implants (levonorgestrel 75mg) add to the range of contraceptives that are already funded, which include hormonal contraceptive pills, intra-uterine devices and condoms. The implants are small rods, inserted just below the skin in the arm.

Acting medical director Dr Dilky Rasiah expects a range of women to take advantage of the implants.

"These could include women who are not ready to have children, or women who have completed their families, but who don't want to have a surgical sterilisation," she says.

"For those women, the implants are more convenient because they provide contraception without women having to remember to take a daily pill. However, like all hormonal contraceptives they do have side-effects so they may not be right for everyone."

Dr Rasiah says women considering the contraceptive implants should discuss the options with their doctor.

"For women needing long-term contraception this is a good option. They receive up to five years' contraception for a lower cost. It's also a good deal for taxpayers. The implants cost no more per day than oral contraceptives, and our agreement with Bayer means that the devices for inserting the implants and training for clinicians are included in the cost."

Dr Rasiah says funding the implants will be a net saving to the health sector overall.

"We expect most women who choose to use the implants will currently be using some other form of subsidised contraception.  Because the implants' cost per day is no more than oral contraceptives, the approximate $1 million per year cost of the devices will be more than offset by reductions in the use of the other contraceptives over five years. Add to that a reduction in doctor visits, dispensing fees, and even a possible decline in demand for surgical sterilisations, and we expect this decision to lead to savings to the health sector."

Dr Rasiah says PHARMAC expects up to 30,000 women will use the implants over five years.