Nexplanon: Understanding the Birth Control Arm Implant

Nexplanon is a prescription birth control device designed for insertion beneath the skin of the upper arm. This implant releases hormones to effectively prevent pregnancy for a duration of up to five years. Its mechanism involves the continuous release of progestin, which works by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg. The implant can be removed at any time if an individual wishes to become pregnant or experiences adverse side effects.

Common side effects associated with Nexplanon include changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, headaches, and fluctuations in weight. Both the insertion and removal procedures are performed by healthcare professionals, utilizing local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.

Understanding Nexplanon for Pregnancy Prevention

Nexplanon is a hormonal birth control implant prescribed to individuals seeking to prevent pregnancy. It represents a long-term, reversible form of contraception approved for up to five years of use. However, the implant can be removed earlier if desired. It is generally prescribed to individuals of reproductive age, though it should not be inserted before a person’s first menstrual period.

Nexplanon prevents pregnancy through several key actions:

• It prevents ovulation, which is the release of an egg from an ovary.
• It thickens cervical mucus, creating a barrier that makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
• It alters the lining of the endometrium, making it less conducive for pregnancy to occur.

Potential Side Effects of Nexplanon

Like all medications, Nexplanon can cause side effects. It is important to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider or pharmacist. Some of the reported side effects include:

• Changes in menstrual patterns, such as irregular bleeding or spotting.
• Headaches.
• Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina).
• Weight gain.
• Acne.
• Breast pain.
• Abdominal pain.
• Blood clots.
• Changes in metabolism, potentially leading to diabetes or high cholesterol.
• Depression or other mood changes.
• Ovarian cysts.

Mild side effects often resolve within a few days or weeks. However, if serious side effects occur, immediate medical attention is advised. Although allergic reactions were not reported in studies, they can still occur.

Insertion and Removal Procedures

A healthcare professional will insert the Nexplanon implant in a medical office or clinic. The device is placed under the skin on the inner side of the non-dominant arm. For instance, if an individual is right-handed, the implant will be placed in the left arm. The area is numbed beforehand to prevent pain.

Nexplanon Insertion

Before insertion, a pregnancy test will be conducted, as Nexplanon should not be inserted during pregnancy. The optimal timing for insertion depends on the previous birth control method used:

• For non-hormonal methods: Between days 1 and 5 of the menstrual cycle.
• For combination birth control pills: The day after the last active pill, or at the latest, the day after the usual tablet-free interval.
• For combination birth control vaginal rings or skin patches: The day the device is removed, or at the latest, the day after the usual ring-free or patch-free interval.
• For progestin-only birth control minipills: Within 24 hours of the last dose.
• For progestin injections: The day the next injection would have been due.
• For progestin intrauterine devices (IUDs) or other progestin implants: The day the previous device is removed.

After childbirth, a waiting period of 21 to 28 days is recommended before Nexplanon implantation. If breastfeeding, the waiting period is 28 days. A barrier method of birth control should be used for seven days following the implant insertion.

Nexplanon Removal

The implant must be removed by a healthcare professional in a medical setting. The area will be numbed to prevent discomfort. If continued contraception with Nexplanon is desired, a new implant can be inserted during the same visit after the old one is removed.

Dosage and Overdose Information

Nexplanon is available as a single implant containing 68 milligrams (mg) of etonogestrel. It is approved for up to five years of use and must be removed by the end of the fifth year.

An overdose is unlikely when Nexplanon is inserted by a healthcare professional. However, if there is a suspicion of more than one implant being present, a doctor should be notified immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nexplanon

Nexplanon is highly effective at preventing pregnancy. It is a hormonal birth control method that alters levels of progestin, a hormone naturally produced by the body, to prevent conception.

Nexplanon is sold as Implanon outside of the United States. The primary difference between Nexplanon and intrauterine devices (IUDs) is their placement: Nexplanon is inserted under the skin of the arm, while IUDs are placed in the uterus. Both are long-acting, reversible, and highly effective contraceptive methods.

Hair loss was not reported as a side effect in studies of Nexplanon. However, there have been some post-market reports. If hair loss occurs after implantation, consulting a doctor or pharmacist is recommended to investigate potential causes.

Important Safety Considerations

Before receiving Nexplanon, it is crucial to discuss your complete medical history and all medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are currently taking with your doctor. Nexplanon can interact with certain drugs and supplements, including some antifungals and St. John’s wort.

Nexplanon is used to prevent pregnancy and should not be inserted if you are already pregnant. If breastfeeding, discuss the safety of Nexplanon with your doctor.

Boxed Warning

Nexplanon carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of complications from improper insertion or removal. In rare instances, serious complications can occur, such as a broken or bent implant, infection, movement of the implant away from the insertion site, numbness or tingling in the arm, and scarring. Due to these risks, Nexplanon is available only through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, ensuring that its benefits outweigh its risks.

Other Warnings and Contraindications

Nexplanon may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions:

• Blood clots: Hormonal birth control, including Nexplanon, may increase the risk of blood clots and serious cardiovascular events. Individuals with a history of blood clots may have a higher risk.
• Breast cancer or hormone-sensitive cancers: Nexplanon is generally not prescribed to individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, as it may increase the risk of recurrence.
• Depression: Nexplanon can cause or worsen depression or mood changes.
• Diabetes: The implant can raise blood sugar levels, potentially worsening diabetes. Close monitoring may be required.
• Genital bleeding: It is not prescribed for unexplained irregular genital bleeding.
• Liver problems: Individuals with liver problems, including liver tumors, should not use Nexplanon, as it could worsen their condition.
• High blood pressure: Nexplanon can increase blood pressure. Close monitoring is necessary, and removal may be required if blood pressure becomes too high.
• Allergic reaction: Individuals with a known allergic reaction to Nexplanon or its ingredients should not use it.

It is essential to have an open discussion with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if Nexplanon is the right birth control option for you, considering your health history and any other medications you may be taking.