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Home > Drug Category > Contraceptives > Nexplanon and Equivalent

Nexplanon Information

Nexplanon (Etonogestrel Implant) is used to prevent pregnancy. The drug is a small, thin plastic rod about the size of a matchstick inserted under the skin of your upper arm. Birth control reduces the rate of unintended pregnancies and the need for unsafe abortions. The implant slowly releases Etonogestrel over three years. Progestins like Etonogestrel prevent the release of an egg cell from the ovaries and cause changes in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb. Nexplanon only prevents pregnancy. It will not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases.

Nexplanon Side Effects

The most common side effects of Nexplanon may include nausea, bloating, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, and hair loss. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Breast lumps;
• Severe stomach cramping;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Unusual tiredness;
• Unwanted facial or body hair

Nexplanon Precautions

Do not use Nexplanon if you are allergic to Etonogestrel Implant or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have A history of blood clots, High blood pressure, A family history of breast or cervical cancer, High cholesterol levels, Diabetes, Gall bladder problems, Heart problems, Unexplained vaginal bleeding, Stroke, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Nexplanon and other medications, such as ritonavir, carbamazepine, St. John’s wort, topiramate, griseofulvin, phenytoin, etc. Do not use Nexplanon if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. Ectopic pregnancy may occur if you are pregnant while using Nexplanon. Do not use Nexplanon while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. Trace amounts of Etonogestrel pass into your breastmilk but are not expected to harm nursing infants. It is not known if this drug is safe for use in children below 18 years of age. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will insert Nexplanon into your upper non-dominant arm. They will let you know the most suitable time for insertion, depending on your current birth control method and your situation. Your doctor will insert the implant within day 1-5 of your cycle to rule out pregnancy. If the implant is placed after the fifth day of your period, use an additional contraceptive for the first seven days after insertion. Feel the implant around your arm immediately after receiving Nexplanon. If you cannot feel the implant, inform your doctor immediately and use a non-hormonal birth control like a condom until your doctor confirms the implant is in place. When using Nexplanon, your menstrual bleeding may change or become absent, irregular, frequent, infrequent, or prolonged. The bleeding pattern that you experience during the first three months generally indicates your future bleeding pattern. You may stop using Nexplanon at any time. However, you must replace the implant three years after the insertion date. Your doctor may advise you to replace the implant earlier if you are overweight.

Do I need a prescription to order Nexplanon?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Nexplanon.