05.01.11
MHRA confirms contraceptive implant failures
A health watchdog has said 584 women using a contraceptive implant became pregnant and more than 1,600 suffered adverse reactions.
Some of the women using Implanon, which first became available in the UK in 1999, reported difficulties with the hormone-releasing device, which is inserted under the skin of the arm by a doctor or nurse.
The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which confirmed the contraceptive failures, said it had also had complaints from healthcare professionals, but the manufacturer said no method was 100% effective and, in a statement, added: “If the implant is not inserted in accordance with the instructions and on the correct day, this may result in an unintended pregnancy.”
Channel 4 News reported that NHS trusts have been forced to pay compensation totalling nearly £200,000 to some of the women who became pregnant despite the use of Implanon. Some said they felt forced to have terminations, suffered mental health problems or had their relationships collapse because of the unwanted pregnancies.
The manufacturer, MSD, said Implanon’s replacement, Nexplanon, is easier to identify to ensure it has been implanted correctly in the arm, is easier to insert and that there is a training programme for those fitting the device.
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