Search:

How should I take Depo-Provera?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use Implanon for longer than recommended by your doctor.

The timing of when you will receive this implant depends on whether or not you were using birth control before, and what type it was. Follow your doctor's instructions.

The Implanon implant is inserted through a needle into the skin of your upper arm, just inside and above the elbow. You will receive the Implanon implant in your doctor's office or other clinic setting. The skin of your upper arm will be treated with a numbing medicine to keep you from feeling pain during the insertion.

Before receiving this implant, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant.

This implant must be inserted only by a physician or other healthcare provider who has been specially trained in the insertion of the Implanon implant. Incorrect placement of the rod too deeply can make it difficult or impossible to remove later on. If the rod is incorrectly inserted and falls out, you will not be protected from unintended pregnancy.

Once the Implanon implant is inserted, you should be able to feel it under your skin. Tell your doctor if you cannot feel the implant under the skin at any time while it is in place.

The medicine is released slowly into the body from the Implanon implant. The implant can remain in place to provide continuous contraception for up to 3 years.

If the implant is placed correctly, you will not need to use back-up birth control. Follow your doctor's instructions.

After the Implanon implant is inserted, your doctor will cover the arm with two bandages. You may remove the top bandage after 24 hours, but leave the smaller bandage on your arm for 3 to 5 days. Keep the area clean and dry while wearing the bandage. You will most likely have irregular and unpredictable periods while using Implanon. Tell your doctor if your periods are very heavy or long-lasting, or if you miss a period (you may be pregnant).

If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using Implanon.

Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. You may also need to have routine mammograms. Do not miss any appointments.

The Implanon implant must be removed by the end of the third year after it was inserted and may be replaced at that time with a new implant. If you choose not to replace the Implanon implant, your ability to get pregnant will return quickly. Some women have become pregnant within the first week after removal of an Implanon implant. Start using another form of birth control right away if you wish to avoid an unintended pregnancy.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Implanon is inserted under the skin and remains in place for up to 3 years, you will not be on a dosing schedule. Be sure to see your doctor for removal of the Implanon implant by the end of the third year.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: 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 headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
-chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
-swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
-jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
-symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Less serious side effects may include:

-pain, numbness, or tingling where the implant was inserted;
-minor bleeding or scarring where the implant was inserted;
-breast pain;
-acne;
-freckles or darkening of facial skin;
-increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
-weight gain;
-nausea, mild stomach pain, menstrual cramps;
-vaginal itching or discharge;
-headache, back pain, nervousness, dizziness;
-runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough; or
-problems with contact lenses;

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Important Information about Implanon

Do not use Implanon if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby. Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, a history of breast cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or liver cancer. Using hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Before receiving the Implanon implant, tell your doctor if you have an ovarian cyst, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, gallbladder disease, a seizure disorder, or if you are overweight.

You will most likely have irregular and unpredictable periods while using Implanon. Tell your doctor if your periods are very heavy or long-lasting, or if you miss a period (you may be pregnant).

The Implanon implant must be removed by the end of the third year after it was inserted and may be replaced at that time with a new implant. If you choose not to replace the Implanon implant, your ability to get pregnant will return quickly. Start using another form of birth control right away if you wish to avoid an unintended pregnancy.

Schering-Plough

Add to Cart: