Prescribing Advice for GPs

NICE recommend offering long acting contraceptives

October 29, 2005 at 3:58 pm | In Prescribing Extra - Other |  Print | No Comments

NICE have published a Clinical Guideline that recommends all women seeking contraception should be offered information tailored to their needs including offering a choice of using long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).

LARCs include intrauterine devices, intrauterine systems, injectable contraceptives and implants. The advantage of these contraceptive options over other methods, such as condoms and combined oral contraceptives, is that users are not required to think about contraception every day or before intercourse.

Experts believe that wider use of LARCs will reduce the occurrence of unplanned pregnancy. It is currently estimated that up to 30% of pregnancies are unplanned.

Action: All clinicians who offer advice to women on contraception should make themselves aware of the NICE Guideline and of the LARC options available. These options should be made available to women with additional information so that the patient can reach an informed decision.