Etonogestrel Drug Implant (ETONOGESTREL - IMPLANT)

Instructions

Two bandages will cover the area where the rod is placed. Leave the larger, outer bandage on for 24 hours. Leave the smaller bandage in place for 3-5 days, as instructed by your doctor.

Keep the bandages clean and dry.

This medicine is normally placed under the skin of the upper arm, usually in the arm you do not write with.

A negative pregnancy test may be needed before receiving this medicine.

A second form of birth control may be needed for the first week after the rod is placed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the need for back-up birth control.

Keep the card that includes the date and place the rod was inserted.

The rod must be removed after 3 years.

This medicine may cause dark patches to appear on your face. Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen lotion to minimize further darkening of these skin patches.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine may not work as well in women who are very overweight. Speak to your doctor about any need to reduce weight.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Ask your doctor how to do a breast self-exam. Check monthly. Report any changes to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about getting a complete physical exam every year while on this medicine.

Check regularly to make sure you can feel the rod under the skin. Contact your doctor right away if you can not feel it, or if it feels bent or broken.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases.

Seek medical attention if you see any signs of a serious infection. These signs include pain, increasing redness or pus where this medicine is being used.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• acne
• bloating
• breast pain or swelling
• dizziness
• hair loss
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• nausea
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
• vaginal itching or discharge
• weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• chest or jaw pain
• confusion
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• depression or feeling sad
• fainting
• severe or persistent headache
• fast or irregular heart beats
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• mood changes
• shortness of breath
• stomach pain
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• sweating
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• dark urine
• cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina
• blurring or changes of vision
• pain, heat, swelling or redness at the incision site
• yellowing of eyes or skin

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.