How does it work?

Etonogestrel is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, an egg matures and is released from the ovaries (ovulation). The ovary then produces progesterone, preventing the release of further eggs and priming the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels in the body remain high, maintaining the womb lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels in the body fall, resulting in a menstrual period. Etonogestrel tricks the body processes into thinking that ovulation has already occurred, by maintaining high levels of the synthetic progesterone. This prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries. In addition, etonogestrel affects the natural mucus at the neck of the womb (cervix). It increases the thickness of this mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb. By preventing sperm entering the womb, successful fertilisation of an egg, leading to pregnancy, is less likely. This medicine comes in the form of an implant. The etonogestrel implant is injected under the skin of the arm, from where it slowly releases the hormone into the body, maintaining a high level of the hormone in the blood. It provides contraception for 3 years, but if required, can be removed at any time by your doctor or family planning nurse.

What is it used for?

Contraception

Warning!

The use of this contraception may cause abnormal or irregular menstrual bleeding.

This medicine will not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases. Using a condom can provide this protection.

Consult your doctor if you are to be immobilised for a long time, for example due to surgery or illness.

In women who are heavier than normal, the contraceptive effect of this implant may not last for 3 years. Your doctor may consider replacing the implant earlier for continued contraception.

It is recommended that you return to your doctor for a check up 3 months after the insertion of the implant.

The implant should not be left in place for longer than 3 years.

Women who suffer from a condition called chloasma, which causes yellowish-brown patches of colouring on the skin, particularly the face, should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation, eg sunbeds or UV lamps, while using this medicine, as they can make this condition worse.

It is important to be aware that all women taking the oral contraceptive pill appear to have a small increase in the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, compared with women who do not use the pill. However, this risk must be weighed against the benefits of taking the pill which can be discussed with your doctor.

Use with caution in

A history of blood clots in the blood vessels (thromboembolism)

Breast cancer

Decreased liver function

Diabetes

High blood pressure

People with a tendency to suffer from irregular brown skin patches on the face and other areas, often due to pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives (chloasma)

Not to be used in

A type of cancer that is affected by progestogens

Blood clot in the blood vessel

Current or previous severe liver disease

Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Abdominal pain

Weight gain

Acne

Hair loss (alopecia)

Depressed mood

Changes in sex drive

Breast tenderness or pain

Difficult and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea)

Bruising at site of implant

Irritation, pain or itching at site of implant

Rise in blood pressure

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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