What is Implanon?
Implanon implants contain etonogestrel. This hormone prevents ovulation, or the release of an egg. Etonogestrel can also cause changes to your cervical mucus and uterine lining and make it more difficult for fertilized eggs to attach to the uterus.
The Implanon implant is used to prevent pregnancy. The medicine is in a small rod of plastic that is implanted under the skin on your upper arm. The medicine is slowly released into the body. The rod can be left in place for three years and still provide contraception.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Implanon.
Warnings
If you suffer from any of the conditions listed below, you should not use Implanon. These include: liver disease, liver cancer, breast cancer, uterine or ovarian cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.Do not use it if you are pregnant or have just had a Baby.
If you are overweight or have other medical conditions, using Implanon can increase your risk for blood clots or strokes.Smoking increases your risk of blood clots and heart attacks. Implanon should not be used if you are a smoker and over 35.Tell your doctor before receiving the Implanon Implant if any of these conditions exist: diabetes, high blood sugar, high cholesterol levels, kidney disease or gallbladder problems, headaches, depression, a history, being overweight, having a history, and/or an ovarian cyst.
The Implanon implant is inserted with a needle through the upper arm skin. The implant releases the medicine slowly into your body. The implant can be left in place for continuous contraception for up to three years.
While using the Implanon implant, you will likely experience irregular and unpredictable period patterns. If your periods are heavy, long-lasting, or you miss a cycle (you could be pregnant), tell your doctor. You may have to remove your Implanon for a few days if you are going to be bedridden or need medical tests. You should tell any doctor or surgeon that treats you about your Implanon implant.
Implanon implants must be removed within three years of their insertion and replaced with new ones. You will be able to become pregnant again quickly if you do not replace the implant. If you want to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, start using another birth control method immediately.
Before you take this drug
Implanon use can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or are overweight, you're at an even greater risk. The risk of a stroke or blood clot increases during the first year you use this medication.
Smoking increases your risk of blood clots and strokes. The risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack increases with age. This medicine should not be used if you are older than 35 and smoke.
Do not use Implanon while pregnant. Wait at least three weeks (four weeks if breastfeeding) after a recent birth before getting an Implanon.
Before receiving the implant, you may be required to take a pregnancy test and have it come back negative.
You should not take Implanon if:
- A history of a heart attack or stroke;
- A history of cancers related to hormones, such as breast cancer or uterine carcinoma;
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by a physician;
- Liver disease, or cancer, is a term used to describe liver disease.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Implanon will be safe for you:
- Diabetes;
- If you have high cholesterol, triglycerides, or are overweight, this may be a sign.
- High blood pressure
- Headaches;
- Gallbladder disease
- A history of depression
- If you have an allergy to numbing medications,
Implanon should not be given to girls under 18 years of age.You should not use this implant if your baby is younger than four weeks.
How to take Implanon?
Implanon is inserted with a needle under local anesthesia into the upper arm skin, just above and inside the elbow. Your arm will be wrapped in two bandages after the implant has been inserted. After 24 hours, remove the top bandage, but keep the smaller bandage for 3 to 5 more days. Keep the area dry and clean.When you receive your Implanon implant, it will depend on whether or not you have used birth control in the past and which type.
You should be able to feel the implant beneath your skin. If you can't feel the implant while it is installed, tell your doctor.Implanon can be left in place for up to three years. You will not require backup birth control if the implant is correctly placed. You should follow your doctor's advice.While using the Implanon implant, you may experience irregular and unpredictable periods. If your periods are heavy, long-lasting, or you miss a period, tell your doctor. You may be pregnant.
You may have to remove your Implanon for a few days if you are going to be undergoing medical tests, surgery, or bed rest. You should tell any doctor or surgeon that treats you about your Implanon implant.While using Implanon, you should have regular mammograms and physical examinations. You should also self-examine your breasts every month for lumps.
Implanon must be removed within three years of its insertion and replaced with a new one. Your ability to become pregnant will quickly return after the implant has been removed. If you do not receive a replacement implant, immediately begin using another method of birth control to prevent pregnancy.If you feel that the implant is bent or broken, call your doctor immediately.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for contraception:
Subdermally, insert one 68-mg implant. The implant should be removed after three years.
As follows, the timing of the implant placement must be based on the recent history of the patient.
Even if she is bleeding, the implant can be placed between Days 1 and 5 (counting Day 1 as the first day of menstruation).
The Implanon Implant can be placed at any time within 7 days of the last oral contraceptive (estrogen and progestin), or during the period. Seven-day ring-free period of nuvaring (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring), or anytime during the seven-day patch-free period of a transdermal contraceptive system.
When switching to a method that only contains progestin, the implant should be inserted in the following order: If you are switching from the progestin pill, insert it on any day during the month.
After a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion, the Implanon implant can be inserted as soon as possible. If the implant is not placed within five days of a first-trimester abortion, then follow the instructions for no previous hormonal contraceptive usage in the last month.
After delivery or second trimester abortion: The Implanon implant can be inserted from 21 to 28 postpartum days if the patient is not exclusively breastfeeding or 21 to 28 after a second trimester termination. In the event that more than four weeks have passed, the pregnancy should be excluded. The patient should then use a non hormonal birth control method for the first seven days following the implant. Insert the implant if the patient exclusively breastfeeds after the fourth week postpartum.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Implanon will be implanted by a healthcare provider, so you won't need to take it frequently. By the end of your third year, you should see your doctor to have the implant removed.
What happens if I overdose?
It is unlikely that etonogestrel will be overdosed if the implant is properly inserted.
What should be avoided?
Smoking is not recommended while using Implanon. This is especially true if you're older than 35. Smoking increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots caused by Implanon.
Implanon does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The only way to prevent these diseases is by using a condom.
Side effects of Implanon
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction after using Implanon, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.
If you experience:
- Heat, swelling, or oozing at the site of implant insertion;
- You may experience pain or cramping on only one side of your pelvis.
- Sudden numbness, weakness, or headache (especially on a side), slurred or shaky speech, or problems with balance or vision
- Sudden coughing, wheezing, and rapid breathing
- Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness on one or both legs
- Chest pain or a heavy feeling. Pain spreading to the shoulder or jaw Nausea, sweating.
- You may experience swelling of your ankles, feet, or hands.
- Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- A breast lump,
- Symptoms of depression include sleep problems, fatigue, and mood changes.
Implanon may cause side effects such as:
- Changes in your menstrual cycle;
- Light menstrual bleeding, spotting, or bleed
- Stomach pain;
- Breast tenderness
- Acne;
- Weight gain
- Vaginal itching and discharge are conditions that can occur.
- Contact lenses are causing problems.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you have any new or changed medications, including:
- Bosentan;
- Griseofulvin;
- Rifampin;
- John's Wort;
- Topiramate;
- Medicine to treat HIV or AIDS
- A barbiturate, such as butabarbital or secobarbital.
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, and phenytoin.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with Etonogestrel. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
