What is NEXPLANON?
NEXPLANON is a type of birth control for women. It is a flexible, plastic, rod-shaped contraceptive about the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of your arm. NEXPLANON contains a hormone called etonogestrel. You can use a single NEXPLANON for up to three years. Because NEXPLANON does not contain estrogen, your healthcare provider may recommend NEXPLANON even if you cannot use estrogen.
NEXPLANON must be removed by the end of the third year and may be replaced with a new NEXPLANON. It is not known if NEXPLANON is as effective in very overweight women because studies did not include many overweight women. Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking, or intend to take, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and prescription medicines. Certain medicines may make NEXPLANON less effective and you may need to use a barrier method of contraception as backup.
How do I know if NEXPLANON is right for me?
Your healthcare provider will help you determine if NEXPLANON is right for you. He or she will review the Patient Labeling with you, including the Patient Consent Form, to be sure you understand all of the potential risks and benefits of using NEXPLANON. The information on this Web site does not take the place of a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider.
What is the most important information I should know about NEXPLANON?
After you receive NEXPLANON, check that it is in place by pressing your fingertips over the skin of your arm where NEXPLANON was placed. You should be able to feel it. If NEXPLANON is not placed properly, it may not prevent pregnancy or it may be difficult or impossible to remove.
The most common side effect of NEXPLANON is a change in your menstrual periods. Expect your periods to be irregular and unpredictable throughout the time you are using NEXPLANON. You may have more, less or no bleeding. The time between periods may vary, and in between periods you may have spotting.
How does NEXPLANON work?
NEXPLANON prevents pregnancy in several ways. The most important way is by stopping release of an egg from your ovary. NEXPLANON also changes the mucus in your cervix and this change may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Also, NEXPLANON changes the lining of your uterus.
How well does NEXPLANON work?
If NEXPLANON is inserted correctly, your chance of getting pregnant is very low (less than one pregnancy per 100 women who use NEXPLANON for one year). It is not known if NEXPLANON is as effective in very overweight women because clinical studies did not include many overweight women. You should tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, or intend to take, including over-the-counter, herbal and prescription medicines. Certain medicines may make NEXPLANON less effective, so you may need to use a barrier method of contraception as backup.