Etonogestrel (Implant)
e-toe-noe-JES-trel
Prevents pregnancy.
Drug classes
Contraceptive, Progestin (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Etonogestrel implant is a medicine that is used in women to prevent pregnancy. It is a form of birth control. This medicine contains a hormone in a flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick. It is effective for three years when inserted just beneath the skin of your upper arm.
Etonogestrel implant will not protect a woman from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The use of latex (rubber) condoms or abstinence (not having sex) is recommended for protection from these diseases.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Implant
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This medicine is an implant. It will be surgically placed under the skin of your upper, inner arm.
Gently press your fingertips over the skin where this medicine was inserted. You should be able to feel the implant.
You might have to use another form of birth control for 7 days after the implant is inserted. Your doctor will tell you if this is needed.
Your doctor can remove the implant at any time if you want to stop using this medicine. The implant must be removed after 3 years, but you may have a new one inserted if you still want to use this form of birth control.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how etonogestrel works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Bosentan, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, felbamate, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, St John wort, topiramate Medicine for HIV/AIDSWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to etonogestrel, or if you are pregnant. Do not use it if you have breast cancer, heart disease, liver disease, or a history of blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke).
Warnings
Tell your doctor right away if you think you become pregnant. The implant will need to be removed.
Tell your doctor if you have cancer, blood circulation problems, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, or if you smoke. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have recently given birth. Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes or prediabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of depression.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy Cysts in the ovaries Possible risk of breast cancer Higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots Liver cancers or tumors High blood pressureThis medicine may change your usual menstrual cycle. You might have irregular bleeding, or your periods may be lighter, shorter, heavier, or longer. You might not have a period in some cycles. However, call your doctor if you think you are pregnant or if you have severe pain or changes that worry you.
This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
You might need to have the implant removed if you will be inactive for a period of time, such as after major surgery, because of the risk of blood clots.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Double vision or other trouble seeing
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Pain in your lower leg (calf)
Severe or ongoing pain, tingling, bleeding, bruising, redness, itching, or swelling where the implant is placed
Unusual or severe pain in your abdomen
Unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding or heavy bleeding
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild headache
Mild pain, tingling, bleeding, bruising, redness, itching, or swelling where the implant is placed
Mood changes
Weight gain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Implanon, Nexplanon
There may be other brand names for this medicine.