Skip to main content

Nexplanon User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

Nexplanon has an average rating of 5.1 out of 10 from a total of 4,833 reviews on Drugs.com. 32% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 42% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Nexplanon

  • Ano...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in Aug 2018. Honestly, the worst birth control experience I’ve had. I have month-long periods (with only 3 weeks in between cycles), complete with cramping, bloating, and irritability for the entire duration. My anxiety and depression have skyrocketed, along with suicidal thoughts. I get severe migraines now (never had in the past), my sex drive is completely gone, and I’ve been getting horrible acne on my face and back (also didn’t have in the past). I feel constant fatigue. I gained 20 lbs in the first 6 months of having it and can’t seem to lose the weight no matter how hard I try. And on top of all, recently I’ve started getting shooting pain around the site of my implant, and my whole arm feels numb and weak when that happens. I’m getting it removed in 2 weeks because I cannot continue with all of these side effects."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
55 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I currently have the Nexplanon bar in my left arm and am finding it horrible physically, mentally, and emotionally. The first month I woke every night at 4 a.m. dripping in sweat (in winter) and experienced hot flushes every day randomly. I’ve bled every day for the last 2 months and in the last 2 weeks have broken out in pimples. I feel completely disconnected to myself as a woman, my usual cycle has been replaced by constant irregular bleeding that leaves me irritable and moody. I’m finding myself questioning every thought/feeling/reaction because I no longer know when my hormones/cycle are affecting my moods, which is taking its toll on my mental health. My anxiety has never been worse. I have zero sex drive or desire to be touched, which is taking a huge toll on my relationship. I feel there’s a complete lack of caution from GPs when prescribing this product. I’m having it removed ASAP."

Was this helpful?YesNo
55 Report
  • Not...
  • February 3, 2015

For Birth Control "First, I've spotted on and off with this birth control. Over a year of it. Second, I can't lose weight for anything. After diets, exercise, you name it I can't lose weight. I've been the same weight, maybe a few lbs more for a year. Third, I have no desire to be touched or even want to have sex. My sex drive doesn't exist. This all started when I got on this. I'm getting it removed this month. No other birth control has ever done this to me. It's not for me personally."

Was this helpful?YesNo
92 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • lkj...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for about 6 months and I love it! It's helping me balance my weight. I lost 10 pounds on it! I have constant spotting with it, but it's not heavy, and it doesn't leave anything on my underwear at all, so that's pretty cool. 10/10 recommend."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
91 Report
  • KQa...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in May of 2017. It was amazing for the first 2 years. I had no issues. In August, I began having panic attacks. Thinking it was because of the birth control, I went and had it removed. The panic attacks didn't stop. It's November, and I'm still dealing with horrible anxiety. I wake up in the middle of the night in a panic, feeling like I'm going-it is the end of my life. I have had confusion, depression, depersonalization, headaches, palpitations, increased heart rate. Sometimes it feels like I'm high and detached from my surroundings and myself. This has been the worst experience of my life by far. Some days are better than others. I'd like to see a doctor to be sure this isn't being brought on by any other medical issues, but at the time, I don't have insurance. My hope is to let others be aware of what this implant is capable of and to see if anyone can relate to my story. I hope I find relief soon."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
54 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Cal...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I am so sorry to all of those who have really suffered with their Nexplanon implant. However, I could not be happier with mine! I had mine put in about two months ago. The reason I chose Nexplanon was because I started to forget to take my pills. About a week after I got implanted, I had a period that was longer but lighter than normal (about 8 days). However, since then, I have not had a period in seven weeks. I did not gain weight (I actually lost weight), I did not break out, and I did not become emotional or moody. Overall, I feel exactly like myself except now with foolproof protection and no periods! Definitely a plus. I know everybody reacts differently, but my reaction was positive, and I hope yours is, too."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
88 Report
  • 282...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 9, 2020

For Birth Control "The worst experience of my entire life!! I have always struggled with anxiety a little, but I have always been on some kind of contraception since an early age due to acne, and looking back, I don’t think the hormones ever really helped my anxiety. But this time last year, I was so happy, the happiest I had ever been. I then got the implant, and the nightmare of side effects started. • extremely emotional • thrush • extreme acne/oily hair • low libido • EXTREME anxiety • awful intrusive thoughts • weight gain • my arm where the implant is itches constantly. I never write reviews, but I don’t want anyone to feel how I have for the past 10 months."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • KC8...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 8, 2014

For Birth Control "I LOVE IT! Can't rave enough about it. No mood swings, no strong appetite, GREAT SEX DRIVE. Super quick and painless to get put in, lasts 3 years! I have had it in for 10 months now and have not had ONE period. I also LOST weight on it. Before when I was bouncing from pill to pill, my weight would fluctuate and no amounts of the gym would ever help... now I am doing my same regimen at the gym with results (not saying this is because of the pill) but my appetite is not as STRONG as it was on the pill. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
84 Report
  • Dod...
  • June 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon implant nearly 3 years after having my son. Initially, I noticed that I started experiencing headaches, period pains but without the periods, and I thought I could bear this. I liked the idea of not having any periods for the whole 2 years, but as soon as I started to bleed, I noticed it was irregular. I didn't like this at all and sometimes noticed some blood clots. I remember at one point I had to go to the hospital for breathlessness, tiredness, and had never experienced this before. I have noticed I continue to get chest pains, and I have had muscle aches all over my body almost every day. I have also had panic attacks too. I have also gained weight, and I don't easily do. It's due to be removed in 2 months, but I am scared to get it removed because of fear of contracting Covid-19. Lately, I have become bloated, have pain in my left lower abdomen, and my breasts are sore. I have no idea how I can get this removed without risking my health. I want it out!"

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
45 Report
  • Hap...
  • August 15, 2017

For Birth Control "Right before and after getting the Nexplanon, I would lose sleep over reading the reviews on here. I am on a year-long traveling trip, and my doctor told me this would be the best option. After reading all the horrifying reviews, I vowed that if I had a good experience, I would come back and share, since usually unhappy customers are more likely to write reviews. I think it really just depends on your body. For me, so far it's been about two months, and I've had zero side effects, except for the fact that it took away my periods completely, which is exactly what I needed. Praise God! I am grateful."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
63 Report
  • Nat...
  • January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon inserted on 7/19/19, and I'm scheduled to get it taken out tomorrow. Since this past Saturday, I've had severe anxiety (specifically about death). I can't sleep, I wake up with terrible thoughts, and all day at work I can't think straight. I hold my kids tight, and all I do is cry. I just keep thinking about death, and it's all I've been thinking about."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • Lay...
  • August 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon. I thought it would help. It was great at first, then two days after I got it, my vision was going crazy, I got dizzy, and I had a lot of mood swings. And I looked up some of these side effects, they are crazy. I think this birth control needs to be looked into more and maybe have fewer side effects. If it works for you, great, but if it doesn’t, please take it out. It’s not worth having it in your arm if you feel miserable. And I know every woman is different, but please be aware."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 5, 2012

For Birth Control "It is amazing! I have tried the Pill and an IUD, both were horrible. I went to my midwife and asked her what are the best options, she recommended the Nexplanon. I was currently on my monthly cycle, which was fine. They cleaned my arm, numbed the area before insertion with a little bit of medication, then inserted the Nexplanon! VERY quick and easy, also no pain! I had a nasty bruise for 1 1/2 weeks, but that's all. I finished my cycle, had a week of no bleeding, then I had slight spotting for almost a month. Afterwards, no random bleeding, no fatigue, no depression, NO nasty side effects at all!! It has helped a lot with my painful cycles and lightened them up greatly. Overall, I would highly recommend this method of birth control."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
88 Report
  • Jes...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 25, 2023

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon 3 months postpartum because I had heard horror stories of IUDs, and I'm terrible at taking the pill every day. My cousin had just got hers and said she liked it, so I went with it. Worst. Idea. Ever. The injection site was painful and bruised for 2 weeks. I could barely move my arm, and the implant gets caught on the underwire in my bra with certain movements. I've had constant bleeding for weeks on end, and I used to hardly have periods before. 3 days tops. The worst of it, though, is the anger, rage, aggression, depression, and anxiety I feel now. I thought I was going crazy. I snap at the smallest things. I can rationalize in my head that I'm being ridiculous but physically can't fight the feelings, chest pains, and aggression over things. It's getting removed tomorrow. It's not worth it. I can't live like this anymore."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Lys...
  • February 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since 11/5/14, and the whole first week, I had extreme nausea. Then I bled for 3 weeks, was okay for about a month, and now I'm back to nonstop bleeding, extreme nausea, very anxious, crying all the time, acne, and I'm just overall very unhappy and no longer myself. Having it removed next Monday, but I'm not sure I can wait."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
74 Report
  • tha...
  • August 7, 2019

For Birth Control "The first 6 months of Nexplanon were amazing! I had a regular period, no weight gain, no side effects, but after the 6-month point, I realized I lost over 20 lbs of weight. I had dizziness, it turned into depression and severe anxiety. Given I had a history of mental health issues, I guessed it was just an episode, although I've never had anxiety and I was never scared. I didn't even know what a panic attack was before Nexplanon, but now after dealing with this for 8+ months, I needed answers for why I was too anxious to go grocery shopping. I couldn't go out if it was dark, couldn't fall asleep because I was scared of sleep paralysis, and was too scared at work for absolutely no reason. So I finally remembered, oh, I'm on birth control, so let me see what the side effects are, and sure enough, there are hundreds of women experiencing the same thing! So I had it removed, almost instantly, I felt calm, but still had moderate anxiety, and now almost a year later, I'm FINALLY getting over the little jitters. So ladies, please be careful with this, if you experience any depression, mania, or anxiety, HAVE IT REMOVED! Much love, hope this helped because reading these comments really did help me."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
44 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had this birth control since July of 2014, so I've had it for about 7 months now and I recommend it to everyone! I only spotted for a couple of days after getting it, and then my period had stopped altogether. I had no problems since then, and I even lost 5 pounds! 100% effective for preventing pregnancies also. I love it!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
69 Report
  • Lex...
  • February 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I had it removed less than a week ago. I never thought twice about my mood while on it (I thought it was just how I was or have always been) until my relationship started getting rocky due to my anxiety, obsessiveness, and easy triggering over the most minor inconveniences. It was hard for me to have a good day even when I tried. I had emotional breakdowns every day, and my period lasted forever, blood clots, and spotting in between every cycle. But at least I knew I wasn’t getting pregnant. Since it was removed, it literally feels as if dark clouds were lifted from above me. It’s crazy to think how many good moments I’ve missed out on or ruined due to my mood swings the past 2 years. No more obsessive thoughts or anxiety or unjustified rage, and no depression. It’s great birth control. I just wish the mood swings and depression that come along with it are not a thing. I’m happy to know that now I’m not an angry, raging female, just a female that was dealing with all of its negative side effects."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • EB2...
  • April 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I never write on these things, but there are so many horror stories I felt like I needed to. I had my Nexplanon inserted on February 5, 2013. So far, it has been great! It went in on the 4th day of my period, light to begin with... my period stopped completely the next day. And I haven't had one since! The insertion was extremely easy, but I did have a nasty bruise for about 2-3 weeks. Now it's fine. I did have a little body acne too but I think that was because I totally stopped birth control for a few months, before this my body wasn't used to it. I researched this and was terrified because I thought I was going to gain 80 lbs and bleed for weeks straight but it has been nothing but easy!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
75 Report
  • Meg...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I love this birth control. I've been on the patch, the shot, and the pill. All had the same issue, when it was time for my period, they would last 2-3 weeks. Horrible. I decided to get Nexplanon. I've been on it for 10 months now. It is amazing. The doctor said there was a chance I would bleed through a little at the beginning. That wasn't the case for me. I haven't had a period since the day I got the Nexplanon put in. My face is so clear and perfect now. I did gain a little weight, I'm sure the Nexplanon had a little to do with it, or could it be all those cookies I've been eating at night? Haha. I love this birth control. If you're doubting it, don't. I doubted it for 2 years, and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
67 Report
  • too...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my birth control in July 2014. For the first 6 months, my periods would last 10 days, which was okay for me. Into my 7th month, my period came on Feb 3rd, and it's been light, but it's still on... and that's been about 20 days. This is irritating, I'm really considering getting it taken out. I'm on my 2nd box of tampons and liners. This isn't good for me."

Was this helpful?YesNo
65 Report
  • Suc...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 12, 2014

For Birth Control "It's been a year since the implant, and my periods are constant. For the last two months, I've been bleeding nonstop. It is a very effective birth control method since there is no sex involved anyway because of the constant bleeding! I was hoping it would go away, but no such luck."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
66 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 21, 2023

For Birth Control "Got the implant a little over 2 months ago and have already made an appointment to get it removed. I, like some of the other ladies on here, did my research on sites such as Planned Parenthood, where it says anxiety/depression is a very rare side effect, but I feel that is wrong. I have never experienced this amount of anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, etc. before. I have no motivation to do the things I love anymore and feel like I have no joy in my life, which is very upsetting because I have a very loving boyfriend and a supportive family, and I just got into the college of my dreams. I feel like I have no idea who I am anymore and have never felt so worthless in my life. It’s like nothing I do means anything. I’m pushing away people I love and feel like I have no energy to mentally show up for anything. I know not everyone has the same experience, but I’m glad I found this forum because it helped me realize that this birth control is what broke me."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • bab...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for over a year now, and I love it! I haven't had a single period, and my cramps are gone, along with constant migraines. I would recommend this birth control to anyone. It's so much easier than taking the pill every day."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
65 Report
  • Ale...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had the Nexplanon for about 3 months, and I LOVE it. I still have my period, but it only lasts about 3 days. I don't have mood swings, weight gain, etc. The only thing that happened to me was that my arm was bruised for about 4 days after I first got it implanted. Sometimes I even forget about it because it just doesn't cause me any problems. I love it so much that I talked my roommate into getting it, and as far as I'm concerned, she doesn't have any problems with it either. I guess it just affects everybody's body differently."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
67 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.