Therapeutic Action
Hormonal contraceptive, progestogen
PDF page 440
Loading InternPractice…
Drug reference
Hormonal contraceptive, progestogen
PDF page 440
Long-acting contraception
PDF page 440
Do not administer to patients with breast cancer, severe or recent liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, active thromboembolic disorders. May cause: menstrual irregularities, amenorrhoea, menometrorrhagia, breast tenderness, headache, weight gain, itching, acne, mood changes, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions. Enzyme-inducing drugs (rifampicin, rifabutin, efavirenz, nevirapine, lopinavir, ritonavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, etc.) reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive. Pregnancy: CONTRA-INDICATED Breast-feeding: no contra-indication
PDF pages 440, 441
Set of two flexible rods containing 75 mg of levonorgestrel, with a sterile applicator, to be inserted subdermally into the inner side of the non-dominant arm, 6 to 8 cm above the elbow crease, under local anaesthesia and aseptic conditions
PDF page 440
The implant may be inserted at any moment of the cycle if it is reasonably certain the woman is not pregnant, including when switching from another form of contraception. Use condoms for 7 days following the insertion of the implant if it is inserted: more than 7 days after the start of menstruation; more than 28 days postpartum if not breastfeeding; more than 7 days after an abortion.
PDF page 440
As long as this method of contraception is desired and it is well tolerated, for max. 5 years (4 years in obese women) after which it no longer provides contraception and must be changed.
PDF page 440
Fertility returns rapidly after removal of the implant. The duration of action of the levonorgestrel implant (5 years) is longer than that of the etonogestrel implant (3 years). However, the etonogestrel implant (one rod) is easier to insert and remove than the levonorgestrel implant (2 rods). For the conditions for insertion or removal the implant, follow manufacturer’s instructions.
PDF page 441
– Below 25 °C
PDF page 441