Implanon Contraceptive Implant
 
 


What is Implanon?

  • Implanon is a method of birth control for women that lasts up to 3 years. It is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is placed under the skin, on the inner side of your upper arm. This minor surgical procedure is done in the office by your health care provider. A local anesthetic is used, and the entire procedure usually takes only a few minutes. You must have Implanon removed after three years, but if you want to continue using Implanon, your healthcare provider can place a new one under your skin when the old one is removed.

Is Implanon an effective choice for birth control?

  • Implanon contains a hormone called etonogestrel and is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It is important to rule out pregnancy before Implanon is inserted because you should not be pregnant when you start using Implanon.
  • The timing of insertion will depend upon whether you are currently using birth control and which method you are using. Depending on the method of birth control you have been using, you may not need any backup contraception, or you may need to use an alternate non-hormonal form of birth control (such as condoms) for 7 days following insertion. Your health care provider will talk with you and help you determine when to have Implanon inserted.
  • Implanon may be less effective in women who are very overweight or who are taking certain types of medication. Talk to your doctor about these things before you consider Implanon.

What are the side effects of using Implanon?

The most common side effect of Implanon is a change in menstrual periods. You should expect your periods to be irregular and unpredictable the entire time you are using Implanon. You may have more bleeding than normal, less bleeding, or no bleeding. The time between your periods may also vary and you may experience spotting in between your periods.

  • Other possible side effects include:
    • Mood swings
    • Weight gain
    • Headache
    • Acne
    • Depression

What are the possible risks of using Implanon?

  • Complications of insertion and removal:  Rarely, removal of Implanon is difficult or impossible because Implanon has moved from its original insertion site. If it cannot be removed, then the effects of Implanon will continue for a longer period of time. Other complications can include:
    • Pain, irritation, swelling, or bruising at the implant site
    • Scarring, including a thick scar called a keloid at the implant site
    • Infection
    • Implanon breaks, making it difficult to remove
    • Thick scar tissue can form around Implanon making removal difficult
  • Interactions with other medicines:  Certain medicines may make Implanon less effective and you may need to use back-up, non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms) while you are taking the medication. Tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are taking or intend to take while using Implanon.
  • Ectopic pregnancy:  If you become pregnant while using Implanon you have a slightly higher chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic (occurring outside the womb) than do women who are not using birth control.

Does Implanon provide protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted disease?

  • No. Implanon does not provide protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted disease.

What if I want to become pregnant or stop using Implanon before three years?

  • Your healthcare provider can remove Implanon at any time. If you want to become pregnant after Implanon is removed, your ability to get pregnant usually returns quickly. If you don't want to get pregnant you should start another form of birth control right away.

What if I become pregnant while using Implanon?

  • If you become pregnant while using Implanon, you should see your healthcare provider right away. It is important to remove Implanon and make sure that the pregnancy is not ectopic (occurring outside the womb). Based on experience with birth control pills, Implanon is not likely to cause birth defects.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

  • Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the symptoms listed below. They may be signs of a serious problem.
    • Sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, or sudden shortness of breath
    • Persistent pain in the calf of your leg
    • Crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest
    • Sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, problems with vision or speech, or numbness in your arms or legs
    • Vision problems including blurred vision or blindness
    • Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
    • Severe pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen
    • Breast lumps
    • Difficulty sleeping, lack of energy, tiredness, sadness, or depression
    • Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking a maxi-pad in 1-2 hours)

What do I need to do once Implanon is inserted?

  • After you receive Implanon, check that it is in place by pressing your fingertips over the skin in your arm where Implanon was placed. You should be able to feel the Implanon rod.
  • Keep the outer dressing on and dry for 24 hours, then remove wrap. You may shower after 24 hours. Replace bandaid after showering, every day for 5 days.
  • Call the office if there is any redness, tenderness, warmth, or drainage from the area of your Implanon.
  • Make note of the insertion date for removal of your Implanon in 3 years.
  • Tell all of your healthcare providers that you are using Implanon for birth control.

Information taken from IMPLANON Patient Education Brochure,
2006 Organon USA, Inc.



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