Etonogestrel (Intradermal)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 4, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Implanon

Pharmacologic Class: Progestin

Uses for etonogestrel

Etonogestrel implant is used in women to prevent pregnancy. It is a form of birth control that contains a hormone in a flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick. It is effective for 3 years when inserted just beneath the skin of your upper arm.

Etonogestrel stops the release of an egg from your ovary. The mucus in your cervix thickens and may prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Etonogestrel implant will not protect a woman from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The use of latex (rubber) condoms or abstinence (not having sex) is recommended for protection from these diseases.

Etonogestrel is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a trained healthcare professional.

Before using etonogestrel

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For etonogestrel, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to etonogestrel or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of etonogestrel implant have not been performed in the pediatric population. However, pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of this medication in teenagers are not expected. Etonogestrel may be used for birth control in teenage females but should not be used before the start of menstruation.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of etonogestrel implant have not been performed in the geriatric population. Etonogestrel is not indicated for use in elderly women.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving etonogestrel, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using etonogestrel with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Tranexamic Acid

Using etonogestrel with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, yo...