What is IMPLANON?

IMPLANON is a type of birth control for women. It is a flexible, plastic, rod-shaped contraceptive about the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of your arm. IMPLANON contains a hormone called etonogestrel. You can use a single IMPLANON for up to three years. Because IMPLANON does not contain estrogen, your healthcare provider may recommend IMPLANON even if you cannot use estrogen.

IMPLANON must be removed by the end of the third year and may be replaced with a new IMPLANON. It is not known if IMPLANON is as effective in very overweight women because studies did not include many overweight women.  Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking, or intend to take, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and prescription medicines. Certain medicines may make IMPLANON less effective and you may need to use a barrier method of contraception as backup.

How do I know if IMPLANON is right for me?

Your healthcare provider will help you determine if IMPLANON is right for you. He or she will review the Patient Labeling with you, including the Patient Consent Form, to be sure you understand all of the potential risks and benefits of using IMPLANON. The information on this Web site does not take the place of a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider.

What is the most important information I should know about IMPLANON?

After you receive IMPLANON, check that it is in place by pressing your fingertips over the skin of your arm where IMPLANON was placed. You should be able to feel it. If IMPLANON is not placed properly, it may not prevent pregnancy or it may be difficult or impossible to remove.

The most common side effect of IMPLANON is a change in your menstrual periods. Expect your periods to be irregular and unpredictable throughout the time you are using IMPLANON. You may have more, less or no bleeding. The time between periods may vary, and in between periods you may have spotting.

How does IMPLANON work?

IMPLANON prevents pregnancy in several ways. The most important way is by stopping release of an egg from your ovary. IMPLANON also changes the mucus in your cervix and this change may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Also, IMPLANON changes the lining of your uterus.

How well does IMPLANON work?

If IMPLANON is inserted correctly, your chance of getting pregnant is very low (less than one pregnancy per 100 women who use IMPLANON for one year). It is not known if IMPLANON is as effective in very overweight women because clinical studies did not include many overweight women. You should tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, or intend to take, including over-the-counter, herbal and prescription medicines. Certain medicines may make IMPLANON less effective, so you may need to use a barrier method of contraception as backup.