Eli5 how come we can have transdermal patches and implants that last for months for things like birth control but not for other drugs

Question

I’m thinking things like levothyroxine that people have to take every day and are really important not to miss. Why can’t we have an implant or patch for this? It would be really helpful and possibly save lives.

In: 16

Answer 1

We do. Transdermal patches for everything from opiates to nicotine.

Hormone implants are common but they also use cetain implants for things like treating alcoholism, and anti-psychotic meds often use this method of delivery when compliance is a concern.

These are common methods across pharmaceuticals, but they increase the cost significantly enough that traditional methods like daily pills are preferred.