Nexplanon (etonogestrel) is a prescription birth control implant designed to prevent pregnancy, available under its brand name. Like many contraceptives, Nexplanon may lead to side effects such as weight gain and menstrual spotting.
Nexplanon falls within the category of drugs known as progestins and is not currently offered in a generic form.
The Basics of Nexplanon
The birth control implant, Nexplanon, is a slender 4 cm rod designed to continuously release progestin, providing highly effective contraception. Inserted beneath the skin of the arm in a doctor's office, it is FDA-approved for three years, with evidence supporting off-label use for up to four years and even some studies suggesting efficacy for five years. Remarkably, it boasts a 99.95% effectiveness rate, making it one of the most reliable forms of long-acting reversible contraception available.
However, experiences with Nexplanon tend to be polarized, often described as a love or hate relationship. Approximately 80% of users continue with the implant beyond the first year, while around 20% choose to have it removed within the initial year, primarily due to bothersome side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include irregular bleeding, headache, vaginitis, weight increase, acne, and breast tenderness.
Mood changes are reported by 6.5% of users, and 5.5% report experiencing depression. Notably, Nexplanon does not have a long-term impact on fertility, and individuals typically experience a quick return to normal menstrual cycles and ovulation once the implant is removed. The insertion process is described as straightforward, involving a brief poke and burn sensation from lidocaine to numb the area, making the overall experience relatively painless.
More common side effects of Nexplanon
Nexplanon has the potential to induce various side effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. These effects might be transient, enduring for a few days to weeks. Nevertheless, should they persist beyond that timeframe, cause significant discomfort, or intensify, it's important to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Here are some of the frequently observed side effects noted by individuals who participated in clinical trials involving Nexplanon:
- Headache
- Vaginal inflammation
- Acne
- Spotting and alterations in menstrual bleeding
- Weight gain
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Mild side effects of Nexplanon
Mild side effects can manifest with the use of Nexplanon. The following list does not encompass all potential mild side effects of the medication. For comprehensive information, please consult Nexplanon's prescribing documentation.
Reported mild side effects associated with Nexplanon comprise:
- Headache
- Vaginal inflammation
- Acne
- Breast pain
- Abdominal pain
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs on the ovary's surface)
- Changes in mood
- Pain at the insertion site of Nexplanon
- Bruising
- Itching
- Spotting and alterations in menstrual bleeding
- Weight gain
- Mild allergic reactions
These side effects may be transient, enduring for a few days to weeks. Nonetheless, if they persist beyond that timeframe, cause significant discomfort, or intensify, it's essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Note: Once the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a medication, it monitors its side effects. Should you experience a side effect while using Nexplanon and wish to report it to the FDA, you can do so.
Pros and Cons of nexplanon
Pros:
- Highly Effective
- Convenience
- Long-Lasting
- Reversible
Cons:
- Side Effects
- Requires Medical Procedure
- No Protection Against STDs
- Potential for Expulsion or Migration
Differences Between nexplanon and pantoprazole
Nexplanon:
Nexplanon is a contraceptive implant designed to prevent pregnancy by releasing the hormone etonogestrel into the body. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and provides long-term contraception for up to three years.
Pantoprazole:
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication used to reduce stomach acid production and treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Alternative to nexplanon
ombined Oral Contraceptives (COCs):
COCs contain both estrogen and progestin and are taken orally. They come in various formulations and are highly effective when taken correctly.
Serious side effects of Nexplanon
Nexplanon has the potential to induce serious side effects, although occurrences are rare. The list provided may not encompass all conceivable serious side effects of the medication. For comprehensive information, please consult Nexplanon's prescribing documentation.
Should you experience serious side effects while using Nexplanon, promptly contact your doctor. If the side effects appear life-threatening or you suspect a medical emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Listed below are reported serious side effects and their associated symptoms:
- Ectopic pregnancy: Occurs if pregnancy transpires while using Nexplanon. Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Shoulder pain
- Fainting
- Blood clots: Symptoms may include:
- Discolored or hot skin
- Pain
- Swelling in legs or arms
- Increased blood pressure: Symptoms may include:
- Chest pain
- Changes in vision
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Liver problems: Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Nausea and vomiting
- Metabolic changes: Such as high blood sugar or cholesterol levels. Symptoms may include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Depression: Symptoms may include:
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Decreased sex drive
- Cognitive difficulties
- Sleep disturbances
- Severe allergic reaction
Nexplanon and weight gain
Nexplanon is associated with the potential for weight gain, a common side effect observed in clinical trials.
During these trials, individuals using Nexplanon experienced an average weight gain of 2.8 pounds (lb) after 1 year and 3.7 lb after 2 years of use. It remains unclear how much of this weight gain specifically results from Nexplanon implants. In rare instances, some participants opted to have Nexplanon removed due to weight gain concerns.
If you're apprehensive about your weight, including whether Nexplanon might be contributing to it, it's advisable to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Your healthcare provider can collaborate with you to identify healthy strategies for managing your weight.
Nexplanon removal and side effects
You may encounter side effects following the removal of Nexplanon.
Some potential side effects associated with Nexplanon removal include:
- Pain or soreness, which may be severe
- Numbness or tingling sensations in your arm, hand, or fingers
- Bleeding
- Hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside blood vessels)
- Scarring
- Infection
- Weakness or difficulty moving your arm
It's worth noting that cramps after Nexplanon removal were not reported during the drug's clinical trials.
If you're interested in learning more about Nexplanon removal and the potential side effects you might experience, it's advisable to discuss your concerns with your doctor. They can provide you with detailed information and guidance regarding the removal process. Additionally, you can refer to reliable sources for more information on this topic.
Conclusion
Weight gain is a potential side effect associated with the use of Nexplanon, as indicated by clinical trials and reported experiences. While some individuals may notice weight changes while using Nexplanon, it's important to recognize that the extent of weight gain and its direct association with the implant may vary among users. Being mindful of potential changes in weight and discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider can facilitate informed decision-making regarding contraceptive options.
Healthcare professionals can offer guidance on managing weight and exploring alternative birth control methods if weight gain becomes problematic for individuals using Nexplanon. Ultimately, open communication and collaboration between individuals and healthcare providers are crucial in addressing concerns related to weight gain and ensuring comprehensive reproductive health care.
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The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you to interpret any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.