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

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May 26, 2012

Implanon

Birth Control (Types and Options) »

Introduction to birth control types and options

If a woman is sexually active and she is fertile — physically able to become pregnant — she needs to ask herself, "Do I want to become pregnant now?" If her answer is "No," she must use some method of birth control (contraception).

If a woman does not want to get pregnant at this point in her life, does she plan to become pregnant in the future? Soon? Much later? Never? Her answers to these questions can determine the method of birth control that she and her male sexual partner use — now and in the future.

There are a number of different ways to describe birth control. Terms include contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and family planning. But no matter what the process is called, sexually active people can choose from a plethora of methods to reduce the possibility of their becoming pregnant. Nevertheless, no method of birth control av...

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Implanon

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IMPLANON®
(etonogestrel) Implant

DRUG DESCRIPTION

IMPLANON (etonogestrel implant) is a progestin-only, soft, flexible implant preloaded in a sterile, disposable applicator for subdermal use. The implant is off-white, non-biodegradable and 4 cm in length with a diameter of 2 mm (see Figure 22). Each implant consists of an ethylene vinylacetate (EVA) copolymer core, containing 68 mg of the synthetic progestin etonogestrel, surrounded by an EVA copolymer skin. Once inserted subdermally, the release rate is 60 to 70 mcg/day in Week 5 to 6 and decreases to approximately 35 to 45 mcg/day at the end of the first year, to approximately 30 to 40 mcg/day at the end of the second year, and then to approximately 25 to 30 mcg/day at the end of the third year. IMPLANON is a progestin-only contraceptive and does not contain estrogen. IMPLANON does not contain latex and is not radio-opaque.

Figure 22 (Not to scale)

Etonogestrel [13-Ethyl-17-hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one], structurally derived from 19nortestosterone, is the synthetic biologically active metabolite of the synthetic progestin desogestrel. It has a molecular weight of 324.46 and the following structural formula (Figure 23).

Figure 23

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: 2/28/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.