What to expect after insertion?
What should I do right after insertion?
Immediately after the implant is placed, you and your healthcare professional should check that it is in your arm by feeling for it.
If you cannot feel the implant immediately after insertion, the implant may not have been inserted, or it may have been inserted deeply. A deep insertion may cause problems with locating and removing the implant. When the healthcare professional has located the implant, it should be removed.
How should I care for my arm after insertion?
Following the insertion, a trained healthcare professional will cover the site with 2 bandages. The top bandage is a pressure bandage to minimize bruising and should be left on for 24 hours. The bottom bandage should be kept clean, dry, and in place for 3 to 5 days.
Will I have bruising?
In a clinical trial, 8.6% of women experienced site reactions. The most common complaint was red skin (3.3%), 3% of users reported hematoma, and 2% of users reported bruising.
Can I get an infection?
Infection is possible. If you think you may have an infection, contact your healthcare professional.
Should I keep using other forms of contraception after having NEXPLANON inserted?
It depends on when NEXPLANON was inserted relative to your period. Talk to your healthcare professional to determine how long you may need to use additional contraceptive methods. For example, if NEXPLANON is inserted after the fifth day of your period, then you should use additional contraceptive methods, such as a condom, for the first 7 days after insertion.
What if I want to
have NEXPLANON removed?
A trained healthcare professional can remove the implant at any time within the 5-year period. If NEXPLANON is removed, you should use another form of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy.
NEXPLANON prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. NEXPLANON must be removed by the end of the fifth year.
Will it affect my period?
A change to your normal menstrual bleeding pattern is the most common side effect of NEXPLANON.
1 in 5 women may stop getting their period entirely, while another 1 in 5 women may experience frequent and/or prolonged bleeding.
After starting NEXPLANON, women are likely to have a change from their normal menstrual bleeding pattern. The bleeding pattern experienced during the first 3 months of NEXPLANON use is broadly predictive of the future bleeding pattern for many women.
~1 in 10 women have NEXPLANON removed due to an unfavorable change in their bleeding pattern.
Your healthcare professional can help you manage changes to your bleeding pattern.
Tell your healthcare professional immediately if you think you may be pregnant or your menstrual bleeding is heavy and prolonged.
What other side effects could I experience?
What are other common side effects of NEXPLANON?
- Headache
- Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Breast pain
- Viral infections such as sore throats or flu-like symptoms
- Stomach pains
- Painful periods
- Mood swings, nervousness, or depressed mood
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Pain
- Pain at the site of insertion
What other side effects can cause women to stop using NEXPLANON?
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Acne
- Depressed mood
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare professional for advice about any side effects that concern you. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Implants have been reported to be found in a blood vessel, including a blood vessel in the lung. If this happens, you may experience shortness of breath, cough, and/or the coughing up of blood or blood-stained mucus. Contact your healthcare professional right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
When should I call my healthcare professional?
Call your healthcare professional immediately if you have…
| Pain in your lower leg | That does not go away |
|---|---|
| Severe chest pain | Or heaviness in your chest |
| Sudden shortness of breath | Or sharp chest pain or coughing blood |
| Symptoms of severe allergic reaction | Such as swollen face, tongue, or throat, or have trouble breathing or swallowing |
| Sudden severe headache | Unlike your usual headaches |
| Weakness or numbness | In your arm or leg or trouble speaking |
| Sudden blindness | Either partial or complete |
| Yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes | Especially with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, or light-colored bowel movements |
| Severe abdominal pain or swelling | Severe pain, swelling, or tenderness in the lower stomach (abdomen) |
| Lump in your breast | |
| Problems sleeping | Or lack of energy, tiredness, or you feel very sad |
| Heavy menstrual bleeding | Heavier than usual |
| Reason to believe the implant is broken or bent | For any reason |
Can you get NEXPLANON for free?*
You may be able to get NEXPLANON for free through your insurance.
*The Affordable Care Act (ACA) covers one type of birth control from each of 18 FDA-approved categories of birth control for women without charging a co-payment or co-insurance. This coverage includes the arm implant NEXPLANON. Some patients may still be responsible for other costs associated with the product. This could include fees associated with insertion and/or removal procedures.