‘50% Antara contraceptive users drop out after first dose’

JAIPUR: Half of the women, who used Antara, the new injectable contraceptive launched last year on July 11, discontinued it after receiving its first dose. The startling revelation was made by a health department’s report expressing concern on dropout, while advocating for a digital tracking for follow up of users.


The report shows that till May 2018, over 26,400 women have received the first dose of Antara (injectable contraceptive). Worried health authorities plan to study why women discontinue its use after the first time.

After taking its dose, the injection prevents pregnancy for three months. In a year, four injections are administered. It is a new form of contraceptive, which is an intramuscular injection.

However, health minister Kalicharan Saraf claimed that Rajasthan is leading in use of Antara contraceptive. “Rajasthan is at the top among all the states with highest numbers of women opted for Antara in 2017-18. The total doses administered to women is 31,209 in 2017-18,” said Kalicharan Saraf, health minister, while taking part in a state level function held on Wednesday for celebrating World Population Day in the city.

Since dropout rate of Antara users is high, the healtrh department has planned to conduct follow up of users. National health mission (NHM) mission director (state) Naveen Jain said a software AntaraRaj has been launched for monitoring and follow up of users. He said that in 2018-19, 18,000 doses of Antara injections have been administered.

Dr Preeti Pareek, State Mission Parivar Vikas Coordinator– Udaan: A 360-degree Approach to Prevent Adolescent Pregnancy in Rajasthan said, “Antara is spacing method that can administer once in three months. Users should come for her next injection on 90th day but she can come anytime in between 75 days to 120 days to take next dose.”

On high dropout rate, she said, “There are possible effects of injection that are not the side effects that are usually the effects of injection and proves that injection is working. These effects are temporary and not harmful.”