HOW MUCH WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR LONG ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTION (LARC) PRODUCTS?
LARC products are available on prescription and can be purchased in a pharmacy under the General Medical Service (GMS/Medical card) or if you don’t have a medical card you can purchase through the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS). Under the Drugs Payment Scheme an individual or family will pay no more than €80 each calendar month for approved prescribed drugs and medicines. Your pharmacist will be able to provide further information on how to apply for a DPS card.
LARC INSERTION PROCEDURE:
In addition to purchasing a LARC product, there is a charge for the LARC insertion procedure. These costs vary between GP surgeries/family planning clinics.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS:
LARC products can involve a high up-front cost but are more cost effective than other contraceptive options in the longer-term.1,2
THE INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM (IUS/HORMONAL COIL)
The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 - 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.
THE INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD/COPPER COIL)
The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It is available with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 - 10 years.
THE INJECTION
An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.
THE IMPLANT
A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.
FREE CONTRACEPTION SCHEME FOR WOMEN AGED 17-26
In September 2022 a new service was launched in Ireland to provide free contraception for women aged 17-25, and then extended to 26 year olds in January 2023. Below you will find a number of questions and answers which will provide you with essential information about this new scheme.
NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.