Etonogestrel Implant

What is this medication?

ETONOGESTREL (et oh noe JES trel) prevents ovulation and pregnancy. It belongs to a group of medications called contraceptives. This medication is a progestin hormone.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Implanon, Nexplanon

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Blood vessel disease or blood clots
• Breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
• Diabetes
• Gallbladder disease
• Heart disease or recent heart attack
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Migraine headaches
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Tobacco smoker
• An unusual or allergic reaction to etonogestrel, anesthetics or antiseptics, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This device is inserted just under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm by your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Amprenavir
• Fosamprenavir

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Acitretin
• Aprepitant
• Armodafinil
• Bexarotene
• Bosentan
• Carbamazepine
• Certain medications for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole
• Certain medications to treat hepatitis, HIV or AIDS
• Cyclosporine
• Felbamate
• Griseofulvin
• Lamotrigine
• Modafinil
• Oxcarbazepine
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine
• St. John's wort
• Topiramate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This product does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

You should be able to feel the implant by pressing your fingertips over the skin where it was inserted. Contact your care team if you cannot feel the implant, and use a non-hormonal birth control method (such as condoms) until your care team confirms that the implant is in place. Contact your care team if you think that the implant may have broken or become bent while in your arm.

You will receive a user card from your care team after the implant is inserted. The card is a record of the location of the implant in your upper arm and when it should be removed. Keep this card with your health records.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Increase in blood pressure
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• New or worsening migraines or headaches
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Breast pain or tenderness
• Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
• Nausea
• Weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.