Nexplanon Side Effects

Generic name: etonogestrel

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Sep 19, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Nexplanon Side Effects associated with etonogestrel. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Nexplanon.

Applies to etonogestrel: subcutaneous implant.

Serious side effects of Nexplanon

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; fever with chills; bloating; or very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of skin infection like oozing, heat, swelling, redness, or pain.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Depression or other mood changes.
• Eyesight changes or loss, bulging eyes, or change in how contact lenses feel.
• A lump in the breast, breast pain or soreness, or nipple discharge.
• Flu-like signs.
• Vaginal bleeding that is not normal.
• This drug may cause you to swell or keep fluid in your body. Tell your doctor if you have swelling, weight gain, or trouble breathing.

Other side effects of Nexplanon

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Weight gain.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Pimples (acne).
• Vaginal irritation.
• Period (menstrual) changes. These include spotting between cycles or very light periods.
• Irritation where rod was placed.
• Stomach pain.
• Throat irritation.
• Back pain.
• Upset stomach.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to etonogestrel: subcutaneous implant.

Genitourinary adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Menstrual bleeding irregularities (37%), vaginitis (14.5%), breast pain (12.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Leukorrhea, dysmenorrhea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary tract infection, dysuria, genital discharge, vulvovaginal discomfort, galactorrhea, breast enlargement, pruritus genital
• Postmarketing reports: Ectopic pregnancy, breast discharge, ovarian cyst^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (24.9%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Migraine, somnolence
• Postmarketing reports: Convulsions^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Weight increase (13.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Increased appetite, weight decreased^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Acne (14.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypertrichosis, pruritus, rash
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, aggravation of angioedema and/or aggravation of hereditary angioedema, chloasma, seborrhea, urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (10.9%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, flatulence
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Pharyngitis (10.5%)
• Postmarketing reports: Rhinitis^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Insertion site pain, implant site complications, injection site reaction
• Frequency not reported: Expulsion or migration of the implant^[Ref]

Implant site complications include: bruising, slight local irritation, pain, itching, fibrosis at implant site, paresthesia or paresthesia-like events, scarring, hematoma, redness, swelling, and abscess.

Migration of the implants has rarely occurred to the chest wall, as well as within the vasculature including the pulmonary artery. Some patients with migration to the pulmonary artery reported chest pain and/or dyspnea, others were asymptomatic.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Emotional lability, depression, nervousness, libido decreased
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anxiety, insomnia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthralgia, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reactions^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza-like symptoms, pain, hot flush, fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema, pyrexia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Clinically relevant rise in blood pressure^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Nexplanon and Implanon?

Further information

Nexplanon side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer