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What is Norplant
LevonorgestrelThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLevonorgestrel (LNG) is a synthetic progestogen hormone used for contraception and hormone therapy. It is often sold under the brand name Plan B and is used as an emergency contraceptive pill or in an intrauterine device (IUD) such as Jaydess, Kyleena, or Mirena. It can also be used in a subdermal implant to provide long-term contraception. Levonorgestrel was first approved by the FDA in 1982 and is one of the most widely used emergency contraceptives due to its high levels of efficacy and lack of estrogenic side effects compared to other emergency contraceptive regimens
Triphasil-21is the brand name
Norplant Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Triphasil-21
Levonorgestrel
1984
243
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Levonorgestrel, also known as Triphasil-21, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms and Emergency Contraception .moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
Used to treat moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms in combination with Estradiol
Emergency Contraception
Has had at least 1 child
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Used to treat Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in combination with Estradiol
Menopause
Used to treat severe Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause in combination with Estradiol
Hot flashes
Used to treat Menopause in combination with Estradiol
Effectiveness
How Norplant Affects PatientsLevonorgestrel is used as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. If used within 72 hours after intercourse, the levonorgestrel-only pill is 89% effective. Higher levels of effectiveness (over 99%) are achieved when using intrauterine or implantable devices that release levonorgestrel. Additionally, levonorgestrel is used in combination with estrogen to help protect against endometrial cancer.
How Norplant works in the bodyLevonorgestrel is an oral contraceptive and hormone therapy that works to prevent pregnancy. It stops ovulation by slowing the release of hormones from the hypothalamus. It also thickens cervical mucus so that sperm cannot reach the egg, and can cause changes to the endometrium, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant. For hormone therapy, levonorgestrel works with estrogen to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
When to interrupt dosage
The endorsed measure of Norplant is dependent upon the established condition, including Endometrial Hyperplasia, Emergency Contraception and Hypermenorrhea. The sum of dosage fluctuates, according to the administration procedure outlined in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Emergency Contraception
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Endometrial Hyperplasia
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Menopause
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Hypermenorrhea
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Endometriosis
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Has had at least 1 child
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Hot flashes
, 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 52.0 mg, 1.39 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.1 mg, 36.0 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.075 mg, 13.5 mg, 0.09 mg, 1.5 mg/mg, 19.5 mg, 0.0015 mg/hour, 0.03 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.45 mg, 2.6 mg, 0.3 mg
Oral, Kit - Oral, , Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intrauterine, Intrauterine device, Intrauterine device - Intrauterine, Transdermal, Patch - Transdermal, Patch, Insert, extended release, Insert, extended release - Intrauterine, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Warnings
Norplant has forty-three contraindications and must not be taken if you are experiencing any of the states indicated in the following table.Norplant ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Septic Abortion
Do Not Combine
undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Do Not Combine
infected abortions
Do Not Combine
HCG elevated
Do Not Combine
Pelvic Infection
Do Not Combine
Vaginitis
Do Not Combine
Acute Coryza
Do Not Combine
presence or history of breast cancer
Do Not Combine
Uterine Cervicitis
Do Not Combine
Communicable Diseases
Do Not Combine
gonococcal cervical infection
Do Not Combine
Breast Cancer
Do Not Combine
Intrauterine Devices
Do Not Combine
Neoplasms, Hepatic
Do Not Combine
congenital or aquired uterine abnormality
Do Not Combine
Chlamydia Infections
Do Not Combine
Hypersensitivity
Do Not Combine
Emergency Contraception
Do Not Combine
Bacterial Endocarditis
Do Not Combine
lower genital tract infection
Do Not Combine
suspected pregnancy
Do Not Combine
Uterine Cervicitis
Do Not Combine
uterine neoplasia
Do Not Combine
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Do Not Combine
history of progestogen-sensitive breast cancer
Do Not Combine
Cervical Neoplasia
Do Not Combine
Fibroid Tumor
Do Not Combine
Postpartum Endometritis
Do Not Combine
chlamydial cervical infection
Do Not Combine
PAP Test Abnormalities
Do Not Combine
acute liver disease
Do Not Combine
Uterine anomaly distorting uterine cavity
Do Not Combine
Breast Cancer
Do Not Combine
Cervical Dysplasia
Do Not Combine
Thromboembolism
Do Not Combine
Bacterial Vaginosis
Do Not Combine
history of pelvic inflammatory disease
Do Not Combine
Breast
Do Not Combine
Vaginal Bleeding
Do Not Combine
Bacterial Vaginosis
Do Not Combine
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Do Not Combine
gonococcal cervical infection
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Levonorgestrel may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Norplant Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Copanlisib
Major
The metabolism of Copanlisib can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Crizotinib
Major
The metabolism of Crizotinib can be decreased when combined with Levonorgestrel.
Norplant Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of levonorgestrel in rats has been found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Signs of an overdose may include nausea and bleeding, and should be treated with supportive care. There is currently no antidote for a levonorgestrel overdose.
Norplant Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Norplant?
99 active trials are presently researching the potential of Norplant to treat Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Individuals who have had at least one child and Endometrial Hyperplasia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Endometriosis
32 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1
Menopause
0 Actively Recruiting
Hot flashes
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Has had at least 1 child
0 Actively Recruiting
Emergency Contraception
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Endometrial Hyperplasia
9 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable
Hypermenorrhea
0 Actively Recruiting
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
moderate Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
0 Actively Recruiting
Norplant Reviews: What are patients saying about Norplant?
4.7Patient Review
6/1/2016 I had the implant for five years and it was a very easy procedure to remove. I did experience irregular cycles and lots of spotting, but otherwise I had no ill side effects. The only downside is that it can cause irregular periods, but other than that I would recommend this to anyone looking for long-term birth control.
4.3Patient Review
9/16/2015 I only gained about five pounds in weight, which was the only side effect I experienced. I had three separate Norplants over the course of five years. In my opinion, this is the best form of birth control and I'm disappointed it's not an option for my daughters.
3.7Patient Review
8/3/2012 I had the Norplant for six years and then got it removed. I later decided to get it implanted again and have been very pleased with it overall. I haven't experienced any negative side effects.
3.7Patient Review
8/12/2013 I had this product inserted when I was 20 and removed it about six months later. Unfortunately, I nearly went blind as a result and ended up in the emergency room on Christmas Eve in 1992. The doctor who removed it swore he would never remove another one; it took him almost three hours to get it out. Consequently, I have a large scar on my arm from where he had to dig it out. All things considered, I would not recommend this product to anyone.
3.7Patient Review
2/20/20092.7Patient Review
7/7/2010 I had the Norplant contraceptive implanted after the birth of my child at 15. I experienced a lot of symptoms and had it removed within a year. 16 years later, I'm still dealing with abdominal discomfort, headaches, visual disturbance, severe depression and anxiety, mood swings, and many other issues. I feel like Norplant is to blame for my current condition and I would not recommend it to anyone.
2.3Patient Review
4/22/20091.7Patient Review
3/14/2011 I had the norplant put in after my son was born. I wanted to wait a few years before having more kids. I had it put in in 1999 and had it removed in 2004. After that I tried getting pregnant and was unable to. The dr. said it had nothing to do with the norplant, but after 5 years of trying I finally gave up on getting pregnant.
1Patient Review
9/24/2009 I had this treatment for three months and it was terrible. I gained thirty pounds, grew a beard, and then had to get it removed. I've been shaving ever since. I wouldn't even give this to my dog.
1Patient Review
10/5/2012 I regret taking this drug. I'm having it removed due to feeling constantly ill; including weight gain, aches all over my body, headaches every day, an upset stomach, and fluid retention. These are only some of the issues I've had since starting this medication.