Changes to supply route for sub dermal contraceptive implants (Nexplanon®)

As announced in the NHS Primary Care bulletin (published 19 September 2024), from 1 January 2025, GP practices will be able to order the sub dermal contraceptive implant (Nexplanon^® 68mg implant) directly from their suppliers and claim back the cost.  This will mean that patients do not have to go to the pharmacy to pick up the implant themselves and then make a further GP appointment to get it fitted.

These changes are likely to significantly reduce the number of Nexplanon^® prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacies in England. To ensure that pharmacy owners have a minimum of 3 months to run down stocks of Nexplanon^®, NHS England (NHSE) has published advance notice of these changes in order to help pharmacy owners review and manage their stock holding of these implants.

The General Medical Services Statement of Financial Entitlements (SFE) will be published on 1 October 2024 to include this change.