Implanon vs. ParaGard

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

Implanon (etonogestrel) and ParaGard T 380A (intrauterine copper contraceptive) are contraceptives used to prevent pregnancy.

Implanon and ParaGard are different types of contraceptives. Implanon is a contraceptive implant used to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years. ParaGard T 380A is an intrauterine device (IUD) used to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.

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 ParaGard include:

• heavier, longer periods and spotting between periods;
• most of these side effects diminish after 2-3 months

Uncommon but serious side effects of ParaGard include:

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID),
• difficult removals,
• perforation of the uterine wall, and
• expulsion of the device

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

ParaGard T 380A (intrauterine copper contraceptive) is indicated for intrauterine contraception for up to 10 years.

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

ParaGard is not expected to interact with other drugs.

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.

A single ParaGard should be placed at the fundus of the uterine cavity by a physician. ParaGard should be removed on or before 10 years from the date of insertion.