These include:
medication for HIV
medication for epilepsy
complementary remedies, such as St John’s Wort
some antibiotics, such as rifabutin or rifampicin
If you’re taking any of these medicines, you’ll need additional contraception. You may wish to change your form of contraception to one that isn’t affected by your medication.
Always tell your doctor that you’re using an implant if you’re prescribed any medicine.
Side effects of the contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant may cause side effects. You should consider these carefully before deciding if it’s right for you.
Disrupted periods
Your periods may change significantly while using a contraceptive implant. Around 20% of people using the implant will have no bleeding, but almost 50% will have infrequent or prolonged bleeding. Bleeding patterns often remain irregular.
If the bleeding is a problem speak to your GP, nurse or sexual health service for advice.
Other side effects
Other side effects that some people report are:
headaches
acne
feeling sick (nausea)
breast tenderness
mood changes
These side effects usually stop after the first few months. If you have prolonged or severe headaches or other side effects, tell your doctor.
Benefits of using the implant
Some benefits of the contraceptive implant are that:
it works for 3 years
it does not interrupt sex
the implant is an option if you can’t use contraception containing oestrogen such as the combined pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring
you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day
it’s safe to use while you are breastfeeding
