Side Effects of Implanon Birth Control

In order to best understand the side effects of Implanon, we must first examine what Implanon is, as well as how it is used.

IMPLANON: Product Description and Indications

Implanon is a 4 cm-long etonogestrel implant to protect women against pregnancy. It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Implanon is shaped like a small rod, and it is implanted on the underside of the upper arm by a healthcare professional. Once implanted, Implanon can remain inside for up to three years. This is because it contains etonogestrel instead of estrogen, among other things.

IMPLANON: Side Effects

As with most medications, particularly those implanted sub-dermally (under the skin), Implanon does come with side effects for most women who use it. Multiple pivotal studies have been run with Implanon, most with more than 1,000 subjects. Of those, there were six adverse events (side effects) that caused discontinued use in more than 1% of the subjects. These were:

Bleeding irregularities (11%) - Bleeding between menstrual periods or heavily during periods.

Emotionability (2.3%) - Feeling increasingly moody or experiencing abnormal mood swings.

Weight increase (2.3%) - Gaining weight as a result of non-lifestyle issues, traced back to the implantation of Implanon.

Headache (1.6%) - Getting headaches before, during, or after menstrual periods that were not frequent before.

Acne (1.3%) - Breakouts unprecedented until the use of Implanon.

Depression (1.0%)

In addition to events that actually resulted in discontinuation, some other subjects felt side effects, but those events were not severe enough to discontinue use of Implanon. Those recognized in at least ten percent of the tested population included:

Headache (24.9%)

Vaginitis (14.5%) - Inflammation or infection of the vagina

Weight increase (13.7%)

Acne (13.5%)

Breast pain (12.8%)

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (12.6%)

Abdominal pain (10.9%)

Pharyngitis (10.5%) - Inflammation, soreness, and/or pain at the back of the throat

Side effects differ with any medications used, particularly birth control, as the chemistry of the body is being subtly (or drastically) changed. For more information about Implanon or other birth control methods, please talk to your doctor.

Source: "Implanon Indications and Usage," Implanon web site, www.implanon-usa.com. Consulted 27 November 2009.