Implanon Side Effects

Generic name: etonogestrel

Note: This document contains side effect information about etonogestrel. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Implanon.

Some side effects of Implanon may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to etonogestrel: subcutaneous implant

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking etonogestrel (the active ingredient contained in Implanon) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• warmth, redness, swelling, or oozing where the implant was inserted;

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• severe pain or cramping in your pelvic area (may be only on one side);

• sudden severe headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;

• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• a breast lump;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes); or

• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects of etonogestrel may include:

• pain, numbness, or tingling where the implant was inserted;

• minor bleeding or scarring where the implant was inserted;

• menstrual cramps, changes in your menstrual periods;

• mild headache, dizziness, mood changes;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• breast pain;

• acne;

• problems with contact lenses;

• nausea, mild stomach pain;

• back pain;

• feeling nervous or depressed;

• sore throat, flu symptoms; or

• weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to etonogestrel: subcutaneous implant

Local

Local side effects have included insertion site pain.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included acne.

General

General side effects have included weight increase, influenza-like symptoms, and pain.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included abdominal pain and nausea.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included bleeding irregularities, vaginitis, dysmenorrhea, and leukorrhea.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache, dizziness,and nervousness.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included emotional liability and depression.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included back pain.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included sinusitis, pharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection.

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