Implantable Contraceptive

The FDA has approved the use of IMPLANON as a three-year implantable contraceptive device. IMPLANON is a single-rod implant that once placed in the inner side of the upper arm, releases a continuous dose of etonogestrel. Each implant can last up to three years, but can be removed at any point. Since 1998, an estimated 2.5 million women from over 30 countries have used IMPLANON. Implanon is not the first long acting implantable contraceptive to be developed. Norplant another device that required the insertion of 6 progestin rods, was removed from the market after it was determined that some of the rods did not contain enough progestin to prevent pregnancy. IMPLANON is a great alternative to other contraceptives, which have to be taken more often, such as taking the daily oral contraceptive pill. The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. The main side effects of Implanon are irregular bleeding, headaches, acne, and pain with menses. In 3.6 percent of the women, swelling, redness, hematoma and pain occurred at the site of the implant. Nearly 2 percent of the women experienced complications during the removal of the implant. This included fibrosis surrounding the implant, a broken or damaged implant or difficulty finding the implant at the time of removal.