Pharmac to fund contraceptive implant

File Photo / Martin Sykes

Women wanting longer-term contraception will be able to get Government-funded contraceptive implants from August 1.

The long-acting Jadelle implants are small removable rods which are inserted just below the skin in the arm. They can provide contraception for up to five years.

The implants will add to the range of contraceptives already funded by Government medicine funding body Pharmac, including hormonal contraceptive pills, intra-uterine devices and condoms.

Pharmac acting medical director Dilky Rasiah said a range of women were expected 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.

"For those women, the implants are more convenient because they provide contraception without women having to remember to take a daily pill."

Dr Rasiah said the implants had side-effects, like all hormonal contraceptives, and women considering their use should discuss the options with their doctor.

The daily cost of the implants was no more than oral contraceptives, which would offset the $1 million it would cost to fund them.

They would also save money in the health sector by reducing doctors' visits and dispensing fees, and possibly reducing demand for surgical sterilisations.

Pharmac expects up to 30,000 women will use the implants over five years.

- NZPA