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

Etonogestrel implant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Using an etonogestrel implant can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or if you are overweight. Your risk of stroke or blood clot is highest during your first year of using this medicine.

Smoking can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Your risk increases the older you are and the more you smoke.

Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, the etonogestrel implant should be removed if you plan to continue the pregnancy.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before receiving the implant.

You should not use hormonal birth control if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• a history of hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina;
• unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor; or
• liver disease or liver cancer.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• high blood pressure;
• headaches;
• gallbladder disease;
• kidney disease;
• depression; or
• an allergy to numbing medicines.

An etonogestrel implant may not be as effective in women who are overweight.

The etonogestrel implant should not be used in girls younger than 18 years old.

Etonogestrel can pass into breast milk, but effects on the nursing baby are not known. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Use Etonogestrel (Implant)(Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• warmth, redness, swelling, or oozing where the implant was inserted;
• severe pain or cramping in your pelvic area (may be only on one side);
• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot--sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;
• heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• a breast lump; or
• symptoms of depression--sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes.

Common side effects may include:

• pain where the implant was inserted;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• acne, mood changes, weight gain;
• back pain, menstrual cramps;
• nausea, stomach pain;
• breast pain;
• headache, dizziness; or
• flu-like symptoms, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

You should not smoke while using an etonogestrel implant.

Etonogestrel implant will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.