Etonogestrel is a birth control implant. This medicine is used to prevent pregnancy.
Etonogestrel is contained inside a small, flexible plastic rod.
This rod will be inserted by your doctor under the skin on the inner side of your non-dominant upper arm. Your doctor will give you a local anaesthetic (medicine that blocks pain and sensation) before inserting this medicine into your arm. After insertion, your doctor will ask you to palpate (feel the implant under your skin) to check if the implant is in place. You may need to do this occasionally afterwards. Inform your doctor immediately if you cannot feel the implant.
Etonogestrel implant may be left in place for 3 years. The implant will be removed by your doctor no later than 3 years from the date of insertion. Remember to see your doctor on the date of implant removal.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current, suspected or personal history of breast cancer
- current or history of any cancer that is sensitive to progestin (a synthetic hormone)
- current or history of blood clot disorders
- unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
- active liver disease or current or history of liver tumours
as Etonogestrel may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with Etonogestrel, alert your doctor immediately.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- high cholesterol or lipid (fat) levels in the blood
- history of depression
- history of chloasma gravidarum (brown patches of skin usually on the face or neck during pregnancy)
- family history of breast cancer
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Etonogestrel does not lower the risk of getting HIV infection or any other sexually transmitted diseases. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid getting these diseases.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. tests for lipid levels or hormones), inform your doctor that you are using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if Etonogestrel is suited for you to use.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs or symptoms of blood clots, changes in vision, depression and unusual vaginal bleeding may also be needed.
Etonogestrel may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, hot flushes, nervousness, hair loss, pimples, breast tenderness and pain, increased appetite, weight gain or loss, and pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the implant.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- signs and symptoms of blood clots in a lung artery e.g. sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain or coughing up blood
- signs and symptoms of heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- changes in menstrual bleeding pattern
- new lump or mass in the breast
- changes in eyesight or sudden loss of vision
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, efavirenz
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, griseofulvin
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Etonogestrel.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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