Individual generic drug information

etonogestrel

Reference monograph

Part of registered formulation

ETONOGESTREL

Reference record: ETONOGESTREL
Source: MSF Essential Drugs (January 2026)
Printed source pages: 400, 401
Age groups indexed: Not recorded

Individual active ingredientSource records are displayed separately

Some source sections could not be separated reliably in the extraction. Review the printed source pages when a field is missing or incomplete.

Overview

Extracted information for ETONOGESTREL only.

Therapeutic Action

Hormonal contraceptive, progestogen

Source page 400

Indications

Long-acting contraception

Source page 400

Safety

Extracted information for ETONOGESTREL only.

Contraindications Adverse Effects Precautions

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

Source pages 400, 401

Dose and formulations

Extracted information for ETONOGESTREL only.

Forms Strengths And Route

Flexible rod containing 68 mg of etonogestrel, in a sterile disposable 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

Source page 400

Dosage

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 after 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.

Source page 400

Duration

As long as this method of contraception is desired and it is well tolerated, for max. 3 years after which it no longer provides contraception and must be changed.

Source page 400

Clinical care

Extracted information for ETONOGESTREL only.

Remarks

Fertility returns rapidly after removal of the implant. For the conditions for insertion or removal the implant, follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Source page 401

Storage

– Below 25 °C

Source page 401

Dose text by age group

Filter the extracted dose blocks for this individual drug.

No dose block was identified for this age filter. This does not establish whether the drug is suitable for that age group.

Age labels are extracted from the printed dose headings and require clinical review. Confirm current local guidance, dose, route, formulation, contraindications and interactions before prescribing.

Individual generic drug information

etonogestrel

Reference monograph

Part of registered formulation

ETONOGESTREL

Reference record: ETONOGESTREL
Source: MSF Essential Drugs (January 2026)
Printed source pages: 400, 401
Age groups indexed: Not recorded

Individual active ingredientSource records are displayed separately

Some source sections could not be separated reliably in the extraction. Review the printed source pages when a field is missing or incomplete.

Overview

Extracted information for ETONOGESTREL only.

Therapeutic Action

Hormonal contraceptive, progestogen

Source page 400

Indications

Long-acting contraception

Source page 400

Safety

Extracted information for ETONOGESTREL only.

Contraindications Adverse Effects Precautions

Source pages 400, 401

Dose and formulations

Extracted information for ETONOGESTREL only.

Forms Strengths And Route

Source page 400

Dosage

Source page 400

Duration

As long as this method of contraception is desired and it is well tolerated, for max. 3 years after which it no longer provides contraception and must be changed.

Source page 400

Clinical care

Extracted information for ETONOGESTREL only.

Remarks

Fertility returns rapidly after removal of the implant. For the conditions for insertion or removal the implant, follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Source page 401

Storage

– Below 25 °C

Source page 401

Dose text by age group

Filter the extracted dose blocks for this individual drug.

No dose block was identified for this age filter. This does not establish whether the drug is suitable for that age group.

Age labels are extracted from the printed dose headings and require clinical review. Confirm current local guidance, dose, route, formulation, contraindications and interactions before prescribing.