Open Access Journal of Contraception (Sep 2010)

Failure of Implanon® on antituberculous therapy

  • Babatunde A Gbolade

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2010, no. default
pp. 103 – 105

Abstract

Read online

Babatunde A GboladeFertility Control Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UKAbstract: Implanon®, a contraceptive implant, is increasingly being used because of its efficacy and nonuser-dependent nature. However, as for other steroid contraceptives, its efficacy can be reduced by enzyme-inducing drugs, such as antituberculous medication, resulting in unplanned pregnancy. We present the case of a 27-year-old para 1 + 0 referred to us for termination of a pregnancy that resulted from failure of Implanon during concomitant treatment with Rifinah® (a rifampicin-isoniazid combination). All health care providers should be aware of the adverse effects of hepatic enzyme inducers on hormonal contraceptives, obtain details of current contraceptive methods from women of reproductive age, and refer them to contraceptive and reproductive health care professionals as appropriate for optimal management. This will ensure that such women do not experience the psychologic trauma of a termination of pregnancy.Keywords: etonogestrel implant, Implanon, contraceptive failure, unintended pregnancy, enzyme inducer, rifampicin