Question 1

What is Nexplanon?

Accepted Answer

Nexplanon is a small, flexible plastic rod that functions as a long-acting reversible contraceptive. It contains the hormone etonogestrel, which is steadily released into the body over an extended period. This device provides continuous hormonal contraception without requiring daily or monthly action.

It is radiopaque, meaning it can be seen using imaging techniques to verify its presence.

Question 2

What is Nexplanon used for?

Accepted Answer

Nexplanon is used to treat contraception .

Question 3

How does Nexplanon work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Nexplanon works primarily by releasing a steady, low dose of the hormone etonogestrel into the bloodstream. This hormone is a progestin, which is a synthetic version of a hormone naturally produced in the body.

The implant prevents pregnancy through three main methods:

Stopping ovulation: It prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. If no egg is released, there is nothing for sperm to fertilize.

Thickening cervical mucus: It increases the thickness of the mucus at the opening of the uterus. This makes it much harder for sperm to swim through the cervix to reach an egg.

Thinning the uterine lining: It alters the lining of the uterus, which may prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Nexplanon?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Nexplanon is etonogestrel .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Nexplanon?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Nexplanon may include:

irregular bleeding

headache

weight gain

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Nexplanon?

Accepted Answer

Nexplanon belongs to the progestin contraceptive implant drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Nexplanon and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How it is Administered

Nexplanon is a small, flexible rod that is inserted under the skin of the inner, non-dominant upper arm. This procedure must be performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. The provider will use a local anesthetic to numb the area before using a specialized applicator to place the implant.

Timing of Insertion

The timing of the insertion depends on your menstrual cycle and whether you are switching from another form of birth control. Your healthcare provider will determine the best time to insert the implant to ensure it is effective immediately or advise if a backup method of contraception is needed for a short period.

Duration and Removal

The implant provides continuous protection for up to three years.

It must be removed by a healthcare professional no later than the end of the third year.

If you wish to continue using this method, a new implant can be inserted immediately after the old one is removed.

The implant can be removed at any time if you decide you want to become pregnant or stop using this form of birth control.

Post-Procedure Care

After insertion, both you and your healthcare provider should be able to feel the implant under your skin by pressing lightly on the area. You will likely have a small bandage and a pressure bandage over the insertion site; follow your provider's instructions on how long to keep these in place.

Question 8

Is Nexplanon safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Nexplanon is used to prevent pregnancy and should not be used by individuals who are already pregnant. If pregnancy is suspected or confirmed while the implant is in place, it must be removed by a healthcare professional. While the device is highly effective, no contraceptive is 100% effective. Research into progestin-only contraceptives suggests that if pregnancy does occur during use, there is no known increased risk of birth defects.

Breastfeeding

Small amounts of the hormone in Nexplanon pass into breast milk. However, studies indicate that the implant does not significantly affect the production or quality of breast milk. Additionally, no negative effects on the health, growth, or development of breastfed infants have been observed in clinical studies. Healthcare providers typically recommend waiting until the fourth week after childbirth before inserting the implant if you are breastfeeding.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Nexplanon come in?

Accepted Answer

Available Forms

Nexplanon is provided as a radiopaque, hormone-releasing implant. It has the following characteristics:

Form: A small, thin, and flexible plastic rod.

Applicator: The implant comes pre-loaded in a sterile, disposable applicator used for insertion.

Visibility: The rod is radiopaque, which allows healthcare providers to locate it using imaging such as an X-ray if necessary.

The implant is designed to be inserted just under the skin on the inner side of the non-dominant upper arm by a trained healthcare professional.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Nexplanon?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indication

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Nexplanon in 2011. It is indicated for use by females to prevent pregnancy. The implant is effective for up to three years, after which it must be removed and can be replaced if continued contraception is desired.

Regulatory History

Nexplanon is the successor to Implanon, which was first approved by the FDA in 2006. The newer version was designed with two primary regulatory and safety improvements:

Radiopacity: Nexplanon contains a small amount of barium sulfate, making it visible via X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI. This helps healthcare providers locate the device if it is not palpable under the skin.

Applicator Design: The device is packaged with a pre-loaded applicator intended to reduce the risk of incorrect or deep insertion.

Provider Requirements

The FDA requires that healthcare providers who perform the insertion and removal of Nexplanon complete a specific training program. This requirement is intended to ensure the device is placed correctly and to minimize the risk of complications such as nerve or blood vessel injury, or migration of the implant.

Safety Monitoring

The FDA monitors the safety of Nexplanon through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). While there is no boxed warning for this device, regulatory agencies have tracked reports regarding insertion site complications and the rare occurrence of the implant migrating to other parts of the body, such as the pulmonary artery or chest wall.

Question 11

What should I know about Nexplanon and removal?

Accepted Answer

Timing of Removal

The Nexplanon implant must be removed by a healthcare professional no later than three years after it is inserted. It can be removed at any time before the three-year mark if you wish to stop using the contraceptive or if you want to become pregnant.

The Removal Procedure

Removal is typically a quick procedure performed in a doctor's office. The process generally involves:

Cleaning the skin and injecting a local anesthetic to numb the area.

Making a small incision at the end of the implant.

Pushing the implant toward the incision and removing it with forceps.

Applying a small adhesive strip and a pressure bandage to the site.

Locating the Implant

If the implant cannot be felt under the skin, it may be difficult to remove. In such cases, the healthcare provider may use imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI to find the exact location of the device. If the implant is located deep within the arm, a more complex surgical procedure may be required for removal.

Return to Fertility

The contraceptive effects of Nexplanon end immediately upon removal. Most individuals return to their previous level of fertility very quickly, often within days or weeks. If you wish to continue using Nexplanon, a new implant can be inserted through the same incision immediately after the old one is removed.

Nexplanon

Medication Quick Facts

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How It Works

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Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

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FDA / Regulatory Status

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