Etonogestrel

Generic name: Etonogestrel [ e-toe-noe-JES-trel ]
Brand name: Nexplanon
Drug classes: Contraceptives, Progestins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 28, 2024.

Uses of Etonogestrel:

• It is used to prevent pregnancy.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Etonogestrel?

• If you are allergic to etonogestrel; any part of etonogestrel; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Liver disease or liver tumors.
• If you have ever had any of these health problems: Blood clots, breast cancer or other kind of cancer where hormones make it grow, heart attack, or stroke.
• If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• If you have given birth within the last 21 days.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take etonogestrel if you are pregnant.
• If you have not started your period.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with etonogestrel.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take etonogestrel with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Etonogestrel?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take etonogestrel. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Be sure to have regular breast exams and gynecology check-ups. You will also need to do breast self-exams as you have been told.
• After etonogestrel has been put in, use a non-hormone birth control like condoms until the placement of etonogestrel has been checked.
• If you cannot feel the implant or if you think that the implant has broken or bent while in your arm, talk with the doctor.
• Problems have happened when etonogestrel was put in or taken out. These include pain; burning, numbness, or tingling; bruising or bleeding; scars; or infection. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• If you get pregnant while taking etonogestrel, the chance of pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) may be raised. Talk with your doctor.
• Blood clots have happened with etonogestrel. Sometimes, these blood clots have been deadly. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor if you will need to be still for long periods of time like long trips, bedrest after surgery, or illness. Not moving for long periods may raise your chance of blood clots.
• Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.
• A cyst on the ovary may rarely happen.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor. This medicine may raise blood sugar.
• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• High blood pressure has happened with etonogestrel. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take etonogestrel.
• Certain drugs, herbal products, or health problems could cause etonogestrel to not work as well. Be sure your doctor knows about all of your drugs and health problems.
• This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
• If etonogestrel is removed and you do not want to get pregnant, use birth control right after it is removed. Pregnancy has happened shortly after etonogestrel was removed. Talk with the doctor.
• A pregnancy test will be done to show that you are NOT pregnant before starting etonogestrel. If you get pregnant while taking etonogestrel, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Etonogestrel) best taken?

Use etonogestrel as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• A rod is placed under the skin in the upper arm. This is a minor surgery. The rod must be changed every 3 years.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; fever with chills; bloating; or very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of skin infection like oozing, heat, swelling, redness, or pain.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Depression or other mood changes.
• Eyesight changes or loss, bulging eyes, or change in how contact lenses feel.
• A lump in the breast, breast pain or soreness, or nipple discharge.
• Flu-like signs.
• Vaginal bleeding that is not normal.
• This medicine may cause you to swell or keep fluid in your body. Tell your doctor if you have swelling, weight gain, or trouble breathing.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Etonogestrel?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Weight gain.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Pimples (acne).
• Vaginal irritation.
• Period (menstrual) changes. These include spotting between cycles or very light periods.
• Irritation where rod was placed.
• Stomach pain.
• Throat irritation.
• Back pain.
• Upset stomach.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Etonogestrel?

• If you need to store etonogestrel at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about etonogestrel, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer