etonogestrel (implant)
What is the most important information I should know about etonogestrel implant?
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Do not use an etonogestrel implant if you are pregnant. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 3 weeks (4 weeks if breast-feeding) before receiving an etonogestrel implant. |
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Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, a history of breast cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or liver cancer. Using hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35. |
Before receiving the etonogestrel implant, tell your doctor if you have an ovarian cyst, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, gallbladder disease, a seizure disorder, or if you are overweight.
Etonogestrel implant is inserted through a needle into the skin of your upper arm. The medicine is released slowly into the body from the implant. The implant can remain in place to provide continuous contraception for up to 3 years.
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You will most likely have irregular and unpredictable periods while using the etonogestrel implant. Tell your doctor if your periods are very heavy or long-lasting, or if you miss a period (you may be pregnant). |
If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using etonogestrel implant.
The etonogestrel implant must be removed by the end of the third year after it was inserted and may be replaced at that time with a new implant. If you choose not to replace the implant, your ability to get pregnant will return quickly. Start using another form of birth control right away if you wish to avoid an unintended pregnancy.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving the etonogestrel implant?
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Do not use an etonogestrel implant if you are pregnant. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 3 weeks (4 weeks if breast-feeding) before receiving an etonogestrel implant. |
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Do not receive the implant if you are allergic to etonogestrel, or if you have: |
- a history of stroke or blood clot;
- a history of breast cancer;
- abnormal vaginal bleeding; or
- liver disease or liver cancer.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use an etonogestrel implant:
- an ovarian cyst;
- high blood pressure;
- heart disease or congestive heart failure;
- high cholesterol or if you are overweight;
- a history of depression;
- gallbladder disease;
- diabetes; or
- seizures or epilepsy.
The etonogestrel implant should not be used in girls younger than 18 years old.
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Do not use the implant if you are breast-feeding a baby younger than 4 weeks old. |
How is the etonogestrel implant used?
Etonogestrel implant is inserted through a needle into the skin of your upper arm, just inside and above the elbow. The implant will be placed in your arm under local anesthetic in your doctor's office or other clinic setting.
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Before receiving this implant, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. |
The timing of when you will receive this implant depends on whether or not you were using birth control before, and what type it was. Follow your doctor's instructions.
This implant must be inserted only by a physician or other healthcare provider who has been specially trained in the insertion of the etonogestrel implant. Incorrect placement of the rod too deeply can make it difficult or impossible to remove later on. If the rod is incorrectly inserted and falls out, you will not be protected from unintended pregnancy.
Once the implant is inserted, you should be able to feel it under your skin. Tell your doctor if you cannot feel the implant under the skin at any time while it is in place.
Etonogestrel is released slowly into the body from the implant. The implant can remain in place to provide continuous contraception for up to 3 years. If the implant is placed correctly, you will not need to use back-up birth control. Follow your doctor's instructions.
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After the implant is inserted, your doctor will cover your arm with two bandages. You may remove the top bandage after 24 hours, but leave the smaller bandage on your arm for 3 to 5 days. Keep the area clean and dry while wearing the bandage. |
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You will most likely have irregular and unpredictable periods while using the etonogestrel implant. Tell your doctor if your periods are very heavy or long-lasting, or if you miss a period (you may be pregnant). |
Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. You may also need to have routine mammograms. Do not miss any appointments.
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If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to have the implant removed for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using an etonogestrel implant. |
The etonogestrel implant must be removed by the end of the third year after it was inserted and may be replaced at that time with a new implant. If you choose not to replace the implant, your ability to get pregnant will return quickly. Some women have become pregnant within the first week after removal of an etonogestrel implant. Start using another form of birth control right away if you wish to avoid an unintended pregnancy.
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Do not use etonogestrel implants for longer than recommended by your doctor. |
What should I avoid while taking etonogestrel implant?
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Do not smoke while using etonogestrel implant, especially if you are older than 35. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack caused by etonogestrel implant. |
Etonogestrel implant will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.
What are the possible side effects of etonogestrel implant?
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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. |
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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, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
- chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).
Less serious side effects may include:
- pain, numbness, or tingling where the implant was inserted;
- minor bleeding or scarring where the implant was inserted;
- breast pain;
- acne, freckles or darkening of facial skin;
- menstrual cramps, changes in menstrual bleeding pattern;
- increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
- weight gain;
- nausea, mild stomach pain;
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- headache, back pain, nervousness, dizziness;
- runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough; or
- problems with contact lenses.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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