The cost-effectiveness of a long-acting reversible contraceptive (Implanon®) relative to oral contraception in a community setting

Background: Within the setting of a UK community sexual health service, the cost-effectiveness of Implanon (R) and oral contraception provision over a 36-month period was compared. Study design: A case-controlled retrospective cost-effectiveness study was done on a cohort of 493 Implanon users and 493 oral contraceptive users. The actual cost of provision of both methods was calculated. Cost-effectiveness was calculated based on provision of method and pregnancy costs of each cohort. Results: Implanon (R) provision is more cost-effective than oral contraception at all time points. After 12 months of use, Implanon (R) is half the cost of oral contraception. Oral contraception reached similar annual cost to Implanon (R) at 36 months of use. Conclusions: Long-acting reversible contraception is perceived to be expensive. It is reassuring to contraception providers that Implanon is, in fact, highly cost-effective when compared to oral contraception with typical use. (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.