Nexplanon

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) will be implanted just below the skin, so you can feel it through the skin at all times. If Nexplanon (etonogestrel) is inserted too deeply, it can damage the muscles, tissues, and blood vessels around it. It can also lead to unwanted pregnancies. Very rarely, implants that have been inserted too deeply can move to another part of the body and cause infections. If Nexplanon (etonogestrel) has been placed incorrectly, your provider will need to be removed and placed again. If there's ever a time you can't feel the implant, contact your provider right away and use a barrier method of protection (e.g., condoms, diaphragms) to prevent pregnancy until your provider confirms the implant is in the right place.

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) can commonly cause a change from your normal menstrual bleeding pattern, such as an absent period, spotting, or longer periods. If you're concerned with your menstrual cycle changes, talk with your provider. Most of the time, the kind of menstrual period you experience within the first 3 months after Nexplanon (etonogestrel) is placed is likely what will you'll continue to experience as long as the implant is in place.

If you happen to get pregnant while taking Nexplanon (etonogestrel), there's a small chance that the pregnancy may be ectopic (outside of the womb). Additionally, Nexplanon (etonogestrel) can raise the risk of ovarian cysts (small sacs of fluid in the ovary). Although they rarely cause problems and tend to go away without any treatment, contact your provider if you ever have serious pain in your stomach area so they can check you for an ovarian cyst or ectopic pregnancy.

There have been reports of blood clots in people using birth controls containing both estrogen and progestin. Blood clots can be very dangerous and lead to a heart attack, a stroke, or a pulmonary embolism (life-threatening blood clot in the lungs). Nexplanon (etonogestrel) only contains progestin, so it's unclear whether or not it carries the same risk for blood clots as combination birth controls. If you've ever had blood clots in the past, ask your provider whether Nexplanon (etonogestrel) is a good option for you.

Experts aren't sure if there's a higher risk of developing breast cancer from using combination birth control. But there are some cancer types that are sensitive to hormones in the birth controls. Because of this, people who have ever had breast cancer or have a strong family history of breast cancer should talk to their provider before using Nexplanon (etonogestrel) to see if this birth control is a good option for them. Remember to perform monthly breast self-exams and tell your provider about any changes you notice.

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) wears off quickly after it has been removed. Most people will begin to ovulate again within 2 weeks of removal, meaning you can become pregnant during your first menstrual cycle off Nexplanon (etonogestrel). Be sure to switch to a different form of birth control or use a backup method of protection (e.g., condoms, diaphragms) as soon as you have Nexplanon (etonogestrel) removed to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

If you experience symptoms of liver problems like yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the right upper stomach, or dark urine, stop using Nexplanon (etonogestrel) and contact your provider right away. It's unclear whether Nexplanon (etonogestrel) can raise your risk for tumor in the liver. But people with liver problems and liver cancer shouldn't use Nexplanon (etonogestrel).

If you've blood pressure that isn’t under control or within blood pressure goals, don’t use Nexplanon (etonogestrel). If you're taking medications to control your blood pressure, your provider might ask you to monitor your blood pressure regularly to make sure it doesn’t get unusually high. Most times, there aren't any obvious symptoms of high blood pressure. But if you notice changes in your vision, headache, a racing heart, or flushing, call your provider immediately.

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) can raise your sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood. If you have a history of having high blood sugar, your provider might need to check your blood sugar levels more often to make sure they don’t get unusually high.

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) can cause you to gain weight. You can keep track of your weight after you've started this medication. If you're gaining weight too much too fast, talk with your provider and they can discuss with you about other options for birth control.

Though rare, Nexplanon (etonogestrel) might cause new or worsening gallbladder problems. Tell your provider if you’ve had gallbladder problems in the past so they can monitor you more closely. Get medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms so your provider can check your gallbladder: yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, chills, nausea or vomiting with severe pain in the right upper stomach, dark urine, or light-colored stools.