Does Implanon (contraception) work when you are ill?

Question

I know the combined pill doesn't, but i cant remenber what the doctor said to me about this :-(

Answer 1

The pill does work when you are ill. So I don't know where you heard that. It's the antibiotics that may interfere with the pill.

Implanon is not affected antibiotics, but may be affected by some other drugs, eg anti-epileptic, or anti-TB drugs. It is not affected by diarrhea or vomiting.

Answer 2

Birth control is not rendered useless by being ill, it's the use of an antibiotic that causes it to be less effective. Since Implanon is a hormone that is released continuously there is a definate chance that an antibiotic an effect the metabolism/absorption and effectiveness of Implanon, your safest bet would be to always use a back up form of contraception while taking an antibiotic.

Answer 3

Since the hormone from implants and injections is absorbed directly into the tissues, unlike the OC which has to be absorbed from the bowel first it is unaffected by vomiting. It being vomiting rather than illness in general that reduces pill absorption.