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Etonogestrel User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Nexplanon

Etonogestrel has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 6,536 reviews on Drugs.com. 36% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 39% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Etonogestrel

  • Meg...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 19, 2021

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I’ve been on birth control for as long as I could remember. I’ve tried the pill, the depo shot, and the patches. I got Nexplanon inserted three years ago mainly because I didn’t want to remember having to take a pill or set up a doctor's appointment for the injection. The first year was fine, but after that, my whole life turned upside down. I didn’t relate it to the birth control, but I’ve had severe depression and anxiety, which I’ve never experienced in my life until Nexplanon. This needs to be taken off the market. I’m a very mean person on it, and I get my period for weeks at a time. I’m always crying and being irrational, not to mention the horrible acne this thing puts out. Worst experience of my entire life. I can’t even begin to explain the emotional rollercoaster this type of birth control has put me through."

1 / 10
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  • Kit...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 18, 2021

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "Nexplanon is not worth the mental toll it takes on your daily life. I'm willing to cut it out of my own arm at this point. I'm constantly pushing away my loved ones every night. I have had more mood swings and suicidal thoughts than my entire life and I have a good partner, promoted to my dream job and none of those things matter anymore. The joys in life are gone. It's like having split personalities with this product. The one I got four years ago was great and I would only cry at stupid things. This time around I can't stand to be alive. Don't do it. Find another way there is something wrong with this product."

1 / 10
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350 Report
  • Jan...
  • September 12, 2020

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I have had my Nexplanon implant in for 1.5 years and I had it removed on the 20th of August 2020. Three days later, the nightmare kicks in! Can someone tell me when this will end? Note: 0 history of mental health problems (current nightmare = severe anxiety, sometimes panic attacks, high heart rate, dizziness, dream-like state of mind, confusion, frustration, irritation, mood swings, lack of control. Not myself whatsoever! I asked the male doctor, and he informed me, as well as the lady doctor who removed it, that this was not related to the implant removal. I think the removal has caused a serious hormonal imbalance in my body. Can anyone relate? If so, please leave a message/comment. I am 34 years old and it’s scary, so if there are any young girls or ladies out there, you're not alone! Take care, my fellow soldiers. Xx"

1 / 10
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  • Fri...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 9, 2021

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "So, for those of you who wanted this implant because Vanessa Hughes smiled on TV and didn’t do your research about birth control, please listen. This form of BC has no estrogen in it, it benefits people who are prone to or have heavy bleeding cycles, endometriosis, HTN. This is a progesterone example, which is a class of steroids and also synthetic to the natural progesterone you make in your body. So, if you are having mood swings or other mental health problems, seek therapy and talk to your healthcare provider. You may need to be on a combination pill instead of this Rx. Also, for anyone who is reading this that is new to BC, most BC messes with your mental health because you’re trying to manipulate your natural hormones, so speak with a professional instead of Google, ok?"

10 / 10
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260 Report
  • mis...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 24, 2023

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "After reading dozens of these reviews, I thought it might help someone if I added my Nexplanon experiences. I'm 26, have no children, and I've tried other forms of birth control like the pill and an IUD (Mirena). I had Nexplanon inserted years ago and left it in for the full 3 years. Fast-forward to now, I'm on my second insert, it's expiring, and I plan to get another. My first Nexplanon inserts stopped my period completely. Like, not a drop of blood for 3 years. My debilitating cramps almost completely went away. No weight gain. Honestly, the only thing I might have experienced was moodiness (like anger) - but I had a lot going on in my life at the time and I'm 99% sure Nexplanon wasn't the cause. Nexplanon insert #2, I've gradually started getting a very light, regular period again, but that's it - no other side effects whatsoever. Everyone's different, but my Nexplanon experience has been extremely positive. IUD, not so much. Hope this helps someone."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 19, 2010

Implanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I was very nervous about trying Implanon after reading all the negative reviews, but went ahead with it anyway. The procedure was quick and practically painless. The spot was tender for a few days, and I did have an ugly bruise and now a tiny scar, but nothing that is too terrible. I started Implanon while I was on my period, which lasted for about 2 1/2 weeks, give or take. But the bleeding was minimal, and it wasn't too bad. Then after that period ended, nothing. I haven't had a period since I had the device inserted in December of '09. I haven't noticed any weight gain or unusual moodiness. This has been the best birth control I've ever been on. My advice, give it a chance. Don't let the negative reviews scare you away!"

10 / 10
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  • Fut...
  • March 23, 2021

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "The insertion was fine and other than a little spotting here and there, I didn’t have a period. However, my mood and attitude towards life have completely shifted and have negatively affected my life and relationships. I get angry and argue with my boyfriend over the stupidest things. He always says I 'make something out of nothing,' and I didn’t usually like to be like that. I describe the feeling as being stuck in a mood that you know is irrational, but you CANNOT get out of it! Also, like others have said, any time I get into one of these arguments with my boyfriend, my first thought is 'I want to break up with you and move out.' I hate feeling that way because we’ve been together for 4 years and I am happy with him. I experienced depression, extreme anxiety, and intrusive thoughts as well. I lost motivation to complete schoolwork for my dream degree. All in all, I have an appointment today to remove the implant, and I can’t wait to start feeling better."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 26, 2020

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon removed just over a week ago, and I can already feel myself becoming myself again. I struggled awfully with a depressed mood and intrusive thoughts, and they are definitely going (slowly but surely). I don’t feel as anxious, my boobs don’t hurt, I haven’t had headaches, my arm doesn’t itch, I’m not constantly tired, and my sex drive is coming back. It’s crazy how much it has made a difference, but if anyone is going through a similar thing, don’t worry :) Also, the removal was absolutely fine, it was a little painful with the anaesthetic, but it was over in about 30 seconds!! I hope this helps."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 11, 2020

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "Nexplanon is a NIGHTMARE! By far the worst contraception I have ever had. I never leave reviews, but I would not want anyone to go through what I have with the implant. I have been on contraception since a young age due to acne (the pill), and I think this has always affected my anxiety. Since being on the implant, my anxiety has gone through the roof, it’s unbearable. I’m constantly tired, constantly anxious, battling trying to get out of a constant low mood. It’s honestly horrible dealing with horrible negative and intrusive thoughts! It’s a great way of not getting pregnant, but it’s not worth it at all. It’s a constant battle to try and feel and remember what your old self was like! I’ve had no bleeding, but I would rather have a period every week than have these side effects!"

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 9, 2021

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your experiences. I have had the Nexplanon implant in for 5 weeks now, and I am having it removed in two days. I feel like I am going crazy. I have never suffered much with anxiety, but over the past few weeks I’ve been crying non-stop and having very dark thoughts that I am sick and dying. The anxiety is causing me to be very sad and emotional and worry about everything. Reading all of your stories gives me hope that everything. I am not going mad and that the hormones will balance out once removed. Thank you."

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  • Anonymous
  • June 25, 2010

Implanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I'm posting after reading all the negative side effects of Implanon. I had Implanon inserted over a month ago and have not had any terrible side effects. I had light spotting the second week. I noticed food cravings but it is nothing unbearable. Before starting Implanon, I had begun weight watchers and an exercise routine. I've been sticking with it and have continued to lose weight while on Implanon. The insertion process was not a big deal either, the lidocaine pinched, but after that, the only feeling was pressure during insertion. Slight bruising and tenderness after, but only for a few days. I hope this post reaches out to someone because I almost backed out last minute due to all of the negative posts on this product."

9 / 10
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  • Rik...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 23, 2020

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I wanted to choose this type of birth control because I knew so many people who had it. My experience with Nexplanon was amazing and I enjoyed every minute of it. I did not even notice it was there. I lost weight, my skin has never been better and I have been so happy! I was super nervous to get this because online everyone says how “sucky” it is but it’s because they gained weight - so you have to watch what you eat. Haha, of course, people who enjoy the Nexplanon are not going to get on these forums as often because they just keep going on with their life. Fifteen of my friends have Nexplanon and we all love it so much! If you are thinking about doing it, do it! The insertion process is SO simple. You may get a little bruised, but not bad!"

10 / 10
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  • Blo...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 4, 2020

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "Don't get Nexplanon put in. It's pretty effective at not getting me pregnant because I'm not having sex, as I'm on my period constantly. I've always had 7-day long periods, and now I'm bleeding heavily for months at a time. I only go a month and a half tops without my period, and then BAM. I'm bleeding for another 2 months. I am on my period more than I am not on my period. The money that I have spent on feminine products, I don't even want to talk about it. I thought it would regulate itself after a year or so, but my periods just kept getting longer. I feel at this point I'm immortal. No living creature can sit there and bleed for months on end and still be alive. I could feed a small vampire clan, and they would never even have to bite me."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 17, 2021

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I’ve had Nexplanon in the past a couple of times and it was literally the best birth control ever invented. However, after having my first child, I needed to go back on birth control, and of course, Nexplanon was my first choice. I had it in for a few months, and everything was normal, but then I started to experience some anxiety. I just assumed it was like everyday life. I ended up removing the birth control because I now have extreme anxiety, panic attacks, along with depression. It has completely ruined my life. It’s hard to do everyday things and even take care of my baby. I spend a lot of time in bed, and that’s not the type of person I am. Hoping after the hormones are gone out of my body that I will start to feel better. Anyone felt better after the removal?"

1 / 10
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  • Ste...
  • March 29, 2021

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "It’s been less than four months since I got Nexplanon inserted, and I want to get it taken out. It’s done its job in preventing pregnancy, however, it has negatively impacted me both physically and mentally. I have been bleeding nonstop since I got it put in, and this has resulted in a lot of inconvenience in my life as I am always bleeding. Having already been used to tampons, my fear of getting a bacterial infection or toxic shock syndrome has increased to the point that I switched back to pads. I can’t continue like this. The first month, I was having terrible mood swings and pushing my boyfriend away. It went away for a little bit, but I have started feeling uncontrollably sad, worthless, and unhappy again. I don’t think keeping it in any longer is worth it, to be honest. It’s sad, but I’m writing this right after I finished crying for the night because I feel so sad. If you suffer from some form of anxiety and depression already, your mental state may be further negatively impacted."

2 / 10
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  • Nat...
  • March 9, 2020

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I was really excited to start a new birth control method because a mother of 2, being really sexually active with my partner. I'm simply not ready for another kid. I got the Nexplanon back in December of 2019. It's been a little less than 3 months, and I am having constant suicidal thoughts. I catch myself having an anxiety attack while working, and it would make me go home to sleep it off. I thought it was just me overthinking about all my problems, but in reality, I have never had these feelings and thoughts in the past. I catch myself wanting to cry every single day, not wanting to do anything but stay home and sleep. I literally told my partner, 'I don't think I'm ok, I am going crazy. I feel like I am about to lose my breath and my heart races at the same time.' I have lost so much weight. My anxiety and depression have gotten so bad that I am having dark thoughts... I've always been an uplifting, goofy person. I will be making an appointment to get this removed ASAP!"

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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 8, 2020

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "Getting Nexplanon was the WORST decision I have ever made. Decided to trust the research I did - which was all from the drug company and Planned Parenthood. When I first got it, I was severely bruised for two weeks, my whole arm was swollen and painful, and the whole time I had it, it would poke inside my arm, which was very uncomfortable. I was always scared it had moved. I was so anxious that I had to stop intakeing caffeine. I would cry all the time for no reason, and I was so depressed I wanted to die. I gained like 30 pounds over the course of six months because the places I'd researched said that weight gain was not considered a real side effect. When I finally got this abomination out, it took MONTHS to get back to normal and for my hormones to settle again. This is NOT worth it. I am begging you, please don't get this, and read forums with people's real experiences if you do decide to do so!! Extreme weight gain is a very common side effect! I felt like I lost control. It was horrible."

1 / 10
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  • jus...
  • August 4, 2009

Implanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I honestly LOVE Implanon! I am a worrywart and not worrying with the monthly pregnancy scare has been fabulous. I have mood swings (but I've always been hormonal). I almost chickened out after reading online reviews, but I'm glad I didn't. No weight gain. No acne. Slight bleeding. Highly recommended by me."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 4, 2010

Implanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I have one child and I always knew that I didn't want to have children so close together for the sake of my sanity! I'm not good with remembering pills so after a few scares I decided to give Implanon a try. Insertion was a breeze! My arm was sore for about a week afterwards, and then my arm usage was all back to normal. I haven't had ANY bleeding, discharges, weight gain, loss of sex drive, headaches, etc. In fact, I had a decreased appetite, increased sex drive, and a wonderful sex life knowing that babies won't evolve. I would recommend this product to anyone, BUT I always say that everything is not the same for everyone."

10 / 10
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  • Kat...
  • June 8, 2020

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I wanna start by saying people usually only write these reviews if they are unhappy. Your body could react differently, you just never know until you try it. I used Nexplanon for about 3 months. Almost immediately, I would get these waves of nausea and I would feel like I needed to throw up, and diarrhea at the same time. My entire body would severely sweat and my heart would beat like crazy. Later, I found out it was actually just a panic attack. Anyway, these nausea waves lasted a good 2 weeks, and then completely stopped. Everything was great. No period. No nausea, no depression. Absolutely nothing and I was very happy. Then, just about 2 weeks ago, my anxiety has become so bad that I literally cannot leave my house. The nausea is back, I have crying spells, and I seriously just feel HORRIBLE mentally. Prior to this, I do have a long history with mental illness, but never like this. I’m removing it tomorrow for my own health."

5 / 10
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  • tir...
  • September 27, 2010

Implanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I have had the Implanon since June 8th, 2010. It was great at first, but after 4 weeks, I started bleeding and have been for nearly 3 months. It was light, and now it's bright red, and at times like a period with clotting. But it hasn't killed my sex drive or caused me to gain any weight. Just has caused constant bleeding. Has anyone else experienced this?"

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  • Amo...
  • January 24, 2015

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "My experience with Nexplanon was horrible and would like to share my experience, although everyone is different and what doesn't work for me might work for you or vice versa. I had the Nexplanon placed 3 months after giving birth. Before that I was happy, high sex drive (always have had high sex drive), regular periods, and overall very long life. After Nexplanon, I had non-stop bleeding, severe headaches, severe dizziness, severe lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, and severe mood swings. I felt like I was going downhill because I felt sick all the time and extreme sadness and depression. I had it removed because I no longer felt like myself and felt like I was making bad memories on what should be my most precious moments with my family."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • November 13, 2014

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "Probably one of the worst decisions I have made in my adult life. I have always had great skin, and on this medication, it exploded with both random dryness and severe acne. My emotions were a roller coaster (more than just normal girl stuff). My sex drive plummeted. Constant spotting. Yeah, it prevented me from getting pregnant, probably because I was always on my period. All in all, bad experience."

3 / 10
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  • Sha...
  • June 4, 2020

Nexplanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "PLEASE READ: Many of my friends recommended Nexplanon to me. I thought this was a wonderful idea, as I was very inconsistent on the pill (I was inconsistent). I am nearly three months into having Nexplanon, and I want to rip it out. The irregular bleeding is very light, and not an issue. Instead, it's the emotional stress. I am usually a happy-go-lucky person, and I am now so beyond depressed, can't fall asleep at night because I am profusely crying. I try to sleep throughout the day because of how sad I am, I just want to shut my mind off. My eyes are so puffy from crying. I felt borderline suicidal. I have had to start seeing a therapist, have NEVER felt this awful, depressed, guilty, paranoid, and sad in my entire life. I have no motivation. I can't get out of bed. I have even completely lost my appetite, and I throw up my food. I AM NOT EXAGGERATING. And nobody warned me about these side effects. I would never recommend this to anyone. I plan on getting it out ASAP."

1 / 10
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  • Hap...
  • November 29, 2010

Implanon (etonogestrel) for Birth Control "I have read reviews below and noticed most people find those with low rating helpful. We should all remember that this is a birth control method and goes against nature. There will definitely be side effects, and there is nothing that works the same for everyone. We all have different experiences and would like to write some more about the good things. I had mine inserted in March this year and cannot be happier. I have used the pill and the IUD before. While on the pill, I got pregnant. I decided to use the IUD afterward. Took it out because I would bleed heavily for 2 weeks every month. With Implanon, I have not had my periods, no weight gain. Got some cramping and low libido, but I can live with it. Oh, and I am not pregnant. Give it a try."

10 / 10
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206 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.