Implanon vs. Norplant

Are Implanon and Norplant the Same Thing?

Implanon (etonogestrel) and Norplant System (levonorgestrel) are contraceptive implants used to prevent pregnancy.

Implanon is used to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years, and Norplant is used to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

The brand name Norplant is discontinued. The brand name of the second-generation levonorgestrel implant product is Jadelle, which is not available in the U.S.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Implanon?

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

What Are Possible Side Effects of Norplant?

Common side effects of Norplant include:

  • headache,
  • nervousness,
  • anxiety,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • dizziness,
  • rash,
  • acne,
  • changes in appetite,
  • weight gain,
  • scalp hair loss,
  • prolonged menstrual bleeding,
  • spotting,
  • missed menstrual periods,
  • irregular onsets of menstrual bleeding,
  • frequent bleeding onsets,
  • scanty menstrual bleeding,
  • pain or itching near the implant site (usually temporary),
  • infection at implant site,
  • nervousness,
  • anxiety,
  • breast pain, and
  • uterine enlargement.

Side effects of the removal of Norplant include:

  • multiple incisions,
  • capsule fragments remaining,
  • pain,
  • multiple visits, and
  • lengthy removal procedure.

What is Implanon?

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

What is Norplant?

Norplant System (levonorgestrel) Implants is a hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy.

What Drugs Interact With Implanon?

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

What Drugs Interact With Norplant?

Norplant System may interact with phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, and hepatic enzyme inducers. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Norplant System is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The medication in Norplant System passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How Should Implanon Be Taken?

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.

How Should Norplant Be Taken?

The Norplant System consists of six Silastic capsules, each containing 36 mg of the progestin, levonorgestrel. The total administered (implanted) dose is 216 mg.

Disclaimer

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References

RxList. Implanon Product Monograph.
https://www.implanon-usa.com/
RxList. Norplant Product Monograph.
https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/n/nexplanon/nexplanon_pi.pdf