Implanon vs. Mirena

Implanon (etonogestrel) and Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) are contraceptives used to prevent pregnancy.

Implanon and Mirena are different types of contraceptives.

Implanon is a contraceptive implant used to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.

Mirena is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus (intra-uterine device, or IUD) to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. Mirena is also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women.

Common side effects of Implanon include:

• nausea,
• stomach cramping/bloating/pain,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• mood changes,
• depression,
• breast tenderness or pain,
• acne,
• hair loss,
• weight gain,
• problems with contact lenses,
• sore throat,
• flu symptoms,
• back pain,
• nervousness,
• menstrual cramps,
• changes in menstrual periods,
• vaginal itching, and
• vaginal irritation or discharge.

Other side effects of Implanon include:

• pain,
• bruising,
• numbness,
• infection,
• tingling,
• minor bleeding, and
• scarring at the site where the rod is placed

Common side effects of Mirena include:

• missed periods (amenorrhea),
• bleeding and spotting between periods,
• heavier bleeding during the first few weeks after device insertion,
• abdominal/pelvic pain,
• ovarian cysts,
• back pain,
• headache/migraine,
• nervousness,
• dizziness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• bloating,
• breast tenderness or pain,
• weight gain,
• changes in hair growth,
• acne,
• depression,
• changes in mood,
• loss of interest in sex,
• itching or skin rash, and
• puffiness in the face, hands, ankles, or feet.

Implanon (etonogestrel) is a contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy.

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) is a form of birth control that is indicated for intrauterine contraception for up to 5 years and for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women. Mirena is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus (intra-uterine device, or IUD) to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

Implanon may interact with phenylbutazone, modafinil, St. John's wort, antibiotics, seizure medicines, barbiturates, and HIV medicines.

Mirena may interact with insulin, blood thinners, and steroids.

The medicine in Implanon is contained in a small plastic rod that is implanted into the skin of your upper arm. The medicine dose is released slowly into the body. The rod can remain in place and provide continuous contraception for up to 3 years.

Mirena contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG). Initially, LNG is released at a dose rate of approximately 20 mcg/day. This rate decreases progressively to half that value after 5 years. Mirena must be removed by the end of the fifth year and can be replaced at the time of removal with a new Mirena if continued contraceptive protection is desired.