Dose st johns wort stop the contraception implant from working?

Yes, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that it will. All enzyme inducing drugs will effect the efficacy of the implant.

It's perfectly fine to take St Johns Wort with the contraceptive injection It's only a problem with the oral contraceptive Pill and the implant. It basically causes an issue with drugs that are broken down in the liver. Studies show it reduces the levels of drug in the blood.

It can do, and if you find you're pregnant, then it is probably safer for your unborn child if you stop taking St John's Wort.


"...* Will St. John's wort affect my other medication ?

St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of a number of prescribed medications. If you are prescribed any of the following medications you should not take St. John's wort without discussion with your doctor;

Oral contraceptives
HIV medication
Warfarin
Cyclosporin
Epilepsy treatments
Migraine treatments
Digoxin
Theophylline
Antidepressants
If you are taking any other medication for any other condition check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking St. Johns wort.

* If I am taking a contraceptive pill, will this be affected ?

Possibly. See the answer above..."

( http://www.nmhct.nhs.uk/Pharmacy/stjohns... )


There's a bit at the bottom of the site that discusses the issues of possible risk to the baby if you take it during pregnancy.

Also on the web there are various accounts of people having withdrawal symptoms when stopping St Johns Wort cold turkey. So best to taper off carefully.

From...
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relations...

"Most important: the popular herb St John鈥檚 wort should not be used by women who have an implant because the herb reduces the efficiency of the contraceptive".