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Failure of Implanon® on antituberculous therapy

Authors Gbolade B 

Published 9 September 2010 Volume 2010:1 Pages 103—105

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJC.S12194

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3



Babatunde A Gbolade
Fertility Control Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK

Abstract: 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

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