Implanon vs. Norplant

• Are Norplant and Implanon the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Implanon?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Norplant?
• What is Implanon?
• What is Norplant?
• What Drugs Interact with Implanon?
• What Drugs Interact with Norplant?
• How Should Implanon Be Taken?
• How Should Norplant Be Taken?

Implanon (etonogestrel) and Norplant System (levonorgestrel) are contraceptive implants used to prevent pregnancy.

Implanon is used to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years, and Norplant is used to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

The brand name Norplant is discontinued. The brand name of the second-generation levonorgestrel implant product is Jadelle, which is not available in the U.S.

Common side effects of Implanon include:

• nausea,
• stomach cramping/bloating/pain,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• mood changes,
• depression,
• breast tenderness or pain,
• acne,
• hair loss,
• weight gain,
• problems with contact lenses,
• sore throat,
• flu symptoms,
• back pain,
• nervousness,
• menstrual cramps,
• changes in menstrual periods,
• vaginal itching, and
• vaginal irritation or discharge.

Other side effects of Implanon include:

• pain,
• bruising,
• numbness,
• infection,
• tingling,
• minor bleeding, and
• scarring at the site where the rod is placed

Common side effects of Norplant include:

• headache,
• nervousness,
• anxiety,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• rash,
• acne,
• changes in appetite,
• weight gain,
• scalp hair loss,
• prolonged menstrual bleeding,
• spotting,
• missed menstrual periods,
• irregular onsets of menstrual bleeding,
• frequent bleeding onsets,
• scanty menstrual bleeding,
• pain or itching near the implant site (usually temporary),
• infection at implant site,
• nervousness,
• anxiety,
• breast pain, and
• uterine enlargement.

Side effects of the removal of Norplant include:

• multiple incisions,
• capsule fragments remaining,
• pain,
• multiple visits, and
• lengthy removal procedure.

Implanon (etonogestrel) is a contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy.

Norplant System (levonorgestrel) Implants is a hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy.

Implanon may interact with phenylbutazone, modafinil, St. John's wort, antibiotics, seizure medicines, barbiturates, and HIV medicines.

Norplant System may interact with phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, and hepatic enzyme inducers. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Norplant System is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The medication in Norplant System passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The medicine in Implanon is contained in a small plastic rod that is implanted into the skin of your upper arm. The medicine dose is released slowly into the body. The rod can remain in place and provide continuous contraception for up to 3 years.

The Norplant System consists of six Silastic capsules, each containing 36 mg of the progestin, levonorgestrel. The total administered (implanted) dose is 216 mg.