What is Implanon
EtonogestrelThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryEtonogestrel is a synthetic hormone used to make medicine to treat female reproductive issues. It is a metabolite of a drug called desogestrel and was developed by Merck subsidiary Organon in 2001. It was approved by the FDA that same year.
NuvaRingis the brand name
Implanon Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
NuvaRing
Etonogestrel
2001
15
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Etonogestrel, otherwise called NuvaRing, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses such as Contraceptive implant therapy .Contraceptive implant therapy
Effectiveness
How Implanon Affects PatientsEtonogestrel works by blocking the release of a reproductive hormone called luteinizing hormone. This prevents ovulation and makes it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg. In clinical trials, etonogestrel had a 100% success rate in preventing pregnancy over 3 years. When the implant was removed, normal periods returned within 90 days in 91% of people and fertility returned quickly, with 20 reported pregnancies within 3 months of implant removal. The implant releases 40 mcg of etonogestrel daily and typically provides effective contraception for 3 years. Its failure rate is reported to be 0.
How Implanon works in the bodyEtonogestrel attaches to progesterone and estrogen receptors in the reproductive tract, breast, pituitary, and hypothalamus. This process reduces the production of hormones that control ovulation, resulting in contraceptive effects.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested measure of Implanon is contingent upon the diagnosed state, including Birth Control, Reproductive Age and Contraceptive implant therapy. The degree of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Subcutaneous or Insert, extended release) as listed in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Birth Control
0.012 mg/hour, 11.7 mg, , 11.4 mg, 68.0 mg
Subcutaneous, Insert, extended release, , Implant - Subcutaneous, Insert, extended release - Vaginal, Vaginal, Ring - Vaginal, Implant, Ring
Reproductive Age
0.012 mg/hour, 11.7 mg, , 11.4 mg, 68.0 mg
Subcutaneous, Insert, extended release, , Implant - Subcutaneous, Insert, extended release - Vaginal, Vaginal, Ring - Vaginal, Implant, Ring
Contraceptive implant therapy
0.012 mg/hour, 11.7 mg, , 11.4 mg, 68.0 mg
Subcutaneous, Insert, extended release, , Implant - Subcutaneous, Insert, extended release - Vaginal, Vaginal, Ring - Vaginal, Implant, Ring
Hormonal Contraception
0.012 mg/hour, 11.7 mg, , 11.4 mg, 68.0 mg
Subcutaneous, Insert, extended release, , Implant - Subcutaneous, Insert, extended release - Vaginal, Vaginal, Ring - Vaginal, Implant, Ring
Warnings
Implanon has 27 contraindications, so it must not be employed with any of the conditions enumerated in the table below.Implanon ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Hypersensitivity
Do Not Combine
Pulmonary Embolism
Do Not Combine
Breast
Do Not Combine
Cerebrovascular Diseases
Do Not Combine
Breast
Do Not Combine
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Do Not Combine
Aphasia, Acquired
Do Not Combine
Congenital hypercoagulation
Do Not Combine
Hypertensive disease
Do Not Combine
Thrombosis
Do Not Combine
acute liver disease
Do Not Combine
Metrorrhagia
Do Not Combine
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Do Not Combine
history of deep venous thrombosis
Do Not Combine
thrombogenic rhythm
Do Not Combine
Hereditary Angioedema Type III
Do Not Combine
Neoplasms, Hepatic
Do Not Combine
valvular thrombogenesis
Do Not Combine
Breast Cancer
Do Not Combine
Thromboembolism
Do Not Combine
Pulmonary Embolism
Do Not Combine
Neoplasms, Hepatic
Do Not Combine
Hypersensitivity
Do Not Combine
undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Do Not Combine
diabetes mellitus with vascular disease
Do Not Combine
Smokers
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Etonogestrel may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Implanon Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Tranexamic acid
Major
Etonogestrel may increase the thrombogenic activities of Tranexamic acid.
Abacavir
Minor
Etonogestrel may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Acetohexamide
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Acetohexamide can be decreased when used in combination with Etonogestrel.
Aclidinium
Minor
Etonogestrel may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acrivastine
Minor
Etonogestrel may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.
Implanon Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of oral etonogestrel in rats is greater than 2000mg/kg. If a person takes more than one implant, the extra implant should be removed. There is no evidence that etonogestrel is linked to cancer, genetic mutations, or fertility problems.
Implanon Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Implanon?
A total of 38 active studies are currently assessing the potential of Implanon for Birth Control, Contraceptive Implant Therapy and Hormonal Contraceptive interventions.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Birth Control
35 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Contraceptive implant therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hormonal Contraception
0 Actively Recruiting
Reproductive Age
0 Actively Recruiting
Implanon Reviews: What are patients saying about Implanon?
5Patient Review
1/19/2017 I had the implant for 2 years and it was great. I decided to get it removed because we are ready to start a family. I had a period almost every 6 months, for a full week, which was really manageable.
5Patient Review
11/8/2016 I highly recommend this form of birth control! I got it inserted with minimal pain and it stopped my period, which was amazing. If you're looking for an effective method of birth control that doesn't require taking a pill every day or dealing with too much pain, this is definitely the way to go!
5Patient Review
1/15/2016 I've had the implant for a little over two years and so far, it's been great! I have very light spotting 2-3 days once every couple of months, but other than that, no period. It's been really nice not having to remember to take something or worry about it falling out.
5Patient Review
9/15/2016 I've been using Implanon for seven years now, and it's fantastic. I love that I don't have to worry about any negative side effects or bleeding.
5Patient Review
4/21/2022 I got the implanon in March 2020 and I'm really happy with it so far. My periods aren't as regular as they used to be, but that's to be expected. The nausea has been tough to deal with, especially after sex, but hopefully it means the implant is working well. Overall, this is the best birth control method I've tried!
5Patient Review
5/1/2022 I've had two implants since 2014 and my third one's term is up in a year. I have light flow that lasts a little longer; it went from 2-3 days to 5-7 days. I haven't had any other side effects that are cause for concern.
4.3Patient Review
10/1/2016 I liked how this product worked in terms of protection, but unfortunately it had some not-so-great side effects. I developed acne and vaginal dryness/swelling/itching, so I'm going to be getting it removed as soon as possible.
4Patient Review
10/12/2021 On average, I bled for seven days with this treatment and my menstrual cycle shortened to 23-26 days.
3Patient Review
11/13/2019 I had an implant put in November 2018, and by January 2019 I started having severe headaches. In March, my eyesight also began to deteriorate--at first I thought it was just from staring at a computer all day, but it turns out the pressure the implant was putting on my brain was causing my optic nerves to swell. So if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, please go see a doctor.
2Patient Review
11/5/2018 Since I began this treatment, I've noticed some unwanted side effects like tingling in my breasts and back, as well as spotting and breast tenderness. I'm not sure if it's just anxiety though. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?
1Patient Review
5/16/2022 This medicine ruined my life. I had to endure 15 years of abuse because of it, all because the doctor asked my wife if she wanted it when she was just 19 years old. My family is destroyed because of this drug, and I will never forgive those who created it.
Patient Q&A Section about implanon
How does Implanon work in the body?
"The implant is a contraception method that prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It also thickens the fluid around the cervix, making it harder for sperm to enter and fertilize an egg." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
When was Implanon discontinued?
"Implanon has been discontinued and replaced by Nexplanon as of October 2010 in order to reduce the risk of insertion errors." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Whats the difference between Implanon and Nexplanon?
"The main difference between Implanon and Nexplanon is that Nexplanon has two extra safety features to help ensure proper insertion. Nexplanon has now replaced Implanon and Implanon is no longer being manufactured." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are Implanon side effects?
"You may experience nausea, stomach cramping/bloating, dizziness, headache, breast tenderness, acne, hair loss, weight gain, or vaginal irritation/discharge. You may also experience pain, bruising, numbness, infection, or scarring at the site where the rod is placed." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer