Implanon (Etonogestrel Implant) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

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Implanon

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IMPLANON™
(etonogestrel) Implant 68 mg

For Subdermal Use Only

Women should be informed that this product does not protect against infection from HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

IMPLANON™ (etonogestrel implant) is an off-white, non-biodegradable, etonogestrel-containing single sterile rod implant for subdermal use. The implant is 4 cm in length with a diameter of 2 mm (see Figure 1). Each IMPLANON™ (etonogestrel implant) rod consists of an ethylene vinylacetate (EVA) copolymer core, containing 68 mg of the synthetic progestin etonogestrel (ENG), surrounded by an EVA copolymer skin. The release rate is 60-70 µg/day in week 5-6 and decreases to approximately 35-45 µg/day at the end of the first year, to approximately 30-40 µg/day at the end of the second year, and then to approximately 25-30 µg/day at the end of the third year. IMPLANON™ (etonogestrel implant) is a progestin-only contraceptive and does not contain estrogen. IMPLANON™ (etonogestrel implant) does not contain latex and is not radio-opaque.

Figure 1: (Not to scale)

IMPLANON™ (etonogestrel implant)- Illustration

ENG [13-Ethyl-17-hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one], structurally derived from 19-nortestosterone, is the synthetic biologically active metabolite of the synthetic progestin desogestrel. It has a molecular weight of 324.46 and the following structural formula:

IMPLANON™ (etonogestrel) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of etonogestrel implant (Implanon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

warmth, redness, swelling, or oozing where the implant was inserted;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
severe pain or cramping in your pelvic area (may be only on one side);
sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes,...

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What are the precautions when taking etonogestrel implant (Implanon)?

Before having the rod placed, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to etonogestrel; or to other progestins; or to any anesthetics or antiseptics that might be used in the procedure; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: abnormal breast exam, breast cancer, heart attack/stroke/other blood clots (e.g., in the legs, eyes, lungs), liver problems (e.g., liver tumor, active liver disease), current or suspected pregnancy, unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Before using this medication,...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 3/17/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.